Mothra Leo

Mothra Leo モスラ (Mosura Reo, モスラ?), also known as Leo, is a daikaiju who is the offspring of Mothra and is the central character of the Rebirth of Mothra trilogy. Leo differs from Mothra as he is commonly labelled as a male. Plus, unlike Mothra who is usually portrayed as being concerned more for the plights of her homeland and people, Leo takes on a more active role as a protector of the Earth, as well as taking on a Gamera-like affection for children.

Rebirth of Mothra In the Rebirth of Mothra universe, Leo and Mothra were the last remaining members of a highly advanced species of giant moths created as guardians to the Elias, an ancient civilization of small yet powerful humanoids far older than humanity.

Leo first appeared as an egg layed by an aged and weakened Mothra in 1997. He hatched during a battle between his mother and a monster called Death Ghidorah and despite being hopelessly outmatched in his larval form, attacked his mothers aggressor. The two managed to escape, though by that point, Mothra had been so badly wounded, she collapsed into the sea and drowned. Leo retreated to a remote island where he cocooned himself and emerged as a swarm of multicoloured butterflies which merged into one giant insect. Leo flew to Hokkaido to do battle with Death Ghidorah, resulting in him imprisoning the dragon within its ancient tomb. Leo then went on to replenish the land destroyed by Death Ghidorah before returning to Infant island.

Rebirth of Mothra II Mothra Leo was called upon again when an ancient pollution eating monster called Dagahra began infesting the ocean with toxic parasites called Barems. Leo attacked Dagahra and seemed to have the upper hand, until the battle was taken underwater. Unable to combat Dagahra in his element, Leo was overwhelmed by a swarm of Barem and awaited his opponents killing blow. However, with the assistance of the shobijin, Mothra was replenished by the water spirit Ghogo and transformed into his rainbow form. In the ensuing battle, Leo forced Dagahra to once again retreat underwater. Transforming into his aqua form, Leo pursued Dagahra and finished him.

Rebirth of Mothra III Leo's last battle was against King Ghidorah, an ancient space demon responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs. Unable to defeat the monster, Leo used his remaining power to travel back in time, where he could defeat King Ghidorah in his younger form. This proved to be futile, as the younger King Ghidorah was still too powerful. Mortally wounded, Leo was found by a group of prehistoric larval Mothras who proceeded to cocoon him in a life sustaining capsule. 65 million years later, Leo emerged in his armour form and engaged Ghidorah in a victorious final battle. With the fight over, Leo shed his armoured exoskeleton and flew back to infant island, retiring from battle for good.