Buck Moth vs Death Head Hawkmoth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Buck Moth | Death Head Hawkmoth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemileuca maia | Acherontia atropos |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 50-75 mm wingspan | 100-130 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Africa, Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Buck Moth
A day-flying black and white moth with a red-tipped abdomen that appears in autumn. Its spiny caterpillar delivers a painful venomous sting that causes welts and swelling.
Did You Know?
In New Orleans, falling caterpillars are a seasonal hazard, prompting public health warnings each spring.
Death Head Hawkmoth
Famous for the skull-like pattern on its thorax. Can emit a loud squeak when disturbed. Raids beehives by mimicking bee scent to steal honey.
Did You Know?
Deaths-head hawkmoths invade beehives by releasing a chemical that mimics the scent of bees, allowing them to walk in unbothered and feast on honey.