Columbian Flower Planthopper vs Death Head Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Columbian Flower Planthopper Death Head Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Poekilloptera phalaenoides Acherontia lachesis
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Flatidae Sphingidae
Size 15-20 mm 100-130 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Central America, South America Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Columbian Flower Planthopper

A large and spectacular flatid with broad white wings marked with black spots, closely resembling a moth. Groups of nymphs produce masses of white waxy filaments on branches.

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Did You Know?

Clusters of waxy-coated nymphs on a branch can look like a fungal growth or cotton mass, providing effective communal camouflage.

Death Head Hawk Moth

An Asian death head moth that squeaks loudly and raids bee hives for honey.

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Did You Know?

It produces a chemical that mimics bee pheromones to avoid attack inside hives.