It was actraced to the light, like most moths are. Is it poisouns? i think it was a light brown tiger moth. with white stripes, almost like stained glass. After i touched it, i saw a redish bite, really small where the powder was,( I washed the powder off of course.) i don't know if the bite was there before or after it bit me. Could it be poisenous? I tryed to find it on google, but no luck. PLEASE TELL ME I WONT DIE!!
2007-08-23 15:31:57 · 11 answers · asked by ♦kiwi♦ 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
One... no it did not bite you, they do not have that ability.
Two... even if it did, no you are not going to die.
Some people however do have a small allergy to the dust from their wings. Your hand might have been red from that.
2007-08-23 15:35:51 · answer #1 · answered by The Cheshire 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "powder" you are referring to is actually scales. They don't release it. These scales are very fragile and are easily rubbed off.
If your ID is correct and it was a Tiger moth (family Arctiidae), they are poisonous. However, as was mentioned, they cannot possibly bite you. If you were to eat them, they could make you a little sick. They get their toxins from the plants that the larvae (caterpillars) feed on.
Most likely the red spot was already there.
2007-08-23 15:44:59 · answer #2 · answered by SalamanderResearcher 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Moths don't have anything to bite with, they are juice suckers and have a coiled pipe called a proboscis. If you think the moth bit you, try pushing a 6' rope at room temperature.
2007-08-24 15:50:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
without knowing which species of Lepidoptera,( moths and butterflies)it is, it is difficult to say. The only time that it MAY be harmful, but not poisonouss, is what plant do they feed on.For instance, the monarch butterfly feeds on milkweed,a bitter,but not poisoness,substance. The 'powder' that you are referring to, is called scales. The reddish spot that you are referring, may already have been there, since moth's /butterflies do not bite, but only suck nectar. Hope this helps.
2007-08-23 16:09:13 · answer #4 · answered by Siegfried M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The "powder" that gets on your fingers from the wings of moths and butterflies is microscopic scales that rub off easily. Some of these scales are quite pretty under the microscope. Interesting shapes and colors.
2007-08-23 15:41:00 · answer #5 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's not poisonous and you will not die. I would worry more about germs that are on the desk getting you more sick than any Moth's dust.
2007-08-23 15:35:38 · answer #6 · answered by blue_girl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no. why did you kill a moth. they don't bite. they are so peaceful. moths have powdery skin. they are not poison at all. maybe the bite was there before
2007-08-23 15:36:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
All moths have powder on their wings...It helps them fly. If you touch their wings and it comes off, they can't fly anymore. So thats probably all you got on you. Don't sweat it. I can't believe that little ****** bit you though....
2007-08-23 15:36:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
nope you wont hehehe thats so cute
it couldnt have bitten you either, moths dont have teeth or fangs
2007-08-23 15:34:33 · answer #9 · answered by electro_johnny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL
2007-08-23 15:36:37 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋