Dog Fennel and the Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth

Video #2 of 2 (3/26/2023):

In which, here is an opportunity to revisit one of the trails situated in the Myakka River State Park. My last visit here focused upon the fact that Palm Trees are not true trees. To learn more, you'll have to look through my playlist. Anyway, this video focuses more upon a smaller plant that is ubiquitous. Here, we have the Dog Fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium). It is a member of the Aster family.

This particular specimen is not the same type of fennel that we associate with in the grocery industry. Dog Fennel (that we see here) is poisonous because it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can lead to liver failure upon ingestion. In other words, DO NOT CONSUME RAW! When you rub your fingers against it , there is a scent that somewhat reminds you of Rosemary. I will admit that I recognize herb smells very well since I've worked in the produce industry for quite a few years.

However, there is a species that does rely on this plant. It is called the Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth (Cosmosoma myrodora). They also practice Batesian Mimicry, which means they imitate a harmful species even though they are innocuous. In a sense, Dog Fennel is a host plant for them. They can use the alkaloids as a way to protect them and their eggs from potential predators. It is like a shield 🛡. Nature is truly amazing 👏