Lost species of bee-mimicking moth rediscovered after 130 years

The rare oriental blue clearwing, that disguises itself as a bee, was spotted in the Malaysian rainforest

A moth that disguises itself as a bee and was previously only identified by a single damaged specimen collected in 1887 has been rediscovered in the Malaysian rainforest by a lepidopterist from Poland.

The oriental blue clearwing (Heterosphecia tawonoides) was seen "mud-puddling" - collecting salts and minerals from damp areas with its tongue-like proboscis - on the banks of a river in Malaysia's lowland rainforest, one of the most wildlife-rich - and threatened - regions on Earth.