What is the brief dedication of the Isabella Tiger Moth's entire adult existence?
Answer
Mating and laying the next generation of eggs
The adult stage of the *Pyrrharctia isabella*—the Isabella Tiger Moth—has a drastically different purpose and lifespan compared to its larval stage, which can span many months. Once the larva pupates and the moth emerges, its existence is extremely brief, often lasting only a week or two. During this short period, if the moth possesses functional mouthparts and feeds on nectar, that feeding is secondary. The primary, overriding biological dedication of the adult moth's entire short life is focused on reproduction: mating and successfully laying the next generation of eggs before it perishes.
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