#urania sloanus

[rubicunda]

Urania sloanus (Sloane’s Urania)

Now exitinct from habitat loss, the Urania sloanus was a vibrant, daytime moth native to Jamaica. Its irridicent, rainbow wings served as a warning to potential predators that it was toxic. The last sloanus was reported in 1895, but it’s speculated the species could have survived until 1908.

[gatopolilla]

★ starting the fourth week: moths ★ 22: urania sloanus day flying moth endemic to Jamaica, extinct since the 19th century

[sixth-extinction]

Sloane’s urania (Urania sloanus) was a day flying moth endemic to Jamaica.  Its stunningly bright colors served as a warning to potential predators that it was toxic.

This beautiful moth’s food sources were eliminated as land was cleared for agriculture, which led to its extinction a mere 100 years after its discovery. It was last seen in the 1890′s, but may have survived until the early 1900′s.