Centaurus Beetle vs Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Centaurus Beetle Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Augosoma centaurus Acherontia styx
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Dynastinae Sphingidae
Size 40-90 mm 80-115 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions West Africa, Central Africa South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Centaurus Beetle

The largest rhinoceros beetle in Africa with two prominent horns. Adults have a glossy reddish-brown to black coloration.

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Did You Know?

They are considered pests on oil palm plantations because larvae feed on living palm roots.

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth

An Asian relative of the death's-head hawk moth, similarly marked with a skull pattern on the thorax. It is slightly smaller but equally capable of entering beehives to feed on honey.

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Did You Know?

Like its European cousin, Acherontia styx can produce a squeaking sound by forcing air through its proboscis, which may mimic queen bee pheromones to pacify guard bees.