F LORA & FAUNA
SCARLET-BODIED WASP MOTH
Cosmosoma myrodora
This jewel of an insect uses mimicry to look like a wasp, but it is the scarlet-bodied wasp moth( Cosmosoma myrodora). As a caterpillar, it feeds on a non-toxic native host plant, climbing hempweed( Mikania scandens), often planted in butterfly gardens. As an adult, it turns to dogfennel( Eupatorium capillifolium), which contains poisonous alkaloids. During mating, the male shares this toxin with his mate, protecting them both from predation. Their eggs also retain some degree of protection. This moth has even been considered a potential biocontrol agent for mile-a-minute vine.
JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT
Arisaema triphyllum
One of our more unusual native plants is jackin-the-pulpit( Arisaema triphyllum). Their corms can be planted in a shady spot in the fall. This plant can display as either male( Jack) or female( Jill). The first growth from a corm is typically male, as producing pollen is a much easier task than producing flowers and fruit. As the plant matures and gathers nutrients, it becomes female, allowing the production of vivid red fruits enjoyed by wild turkeys, wood thrushes, rabbits, and squirrels. It is possible for it to revert to male again, and the cycle may repeat depending on environmental conditions.
88 • KIAWAH CONSERVANCY