Death Head Hawkmoth vs Broad-Horned Onitis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Death Head Hawkmoth | Broad-Horned Onitis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acherontia atropos | Onitis caffer |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 100-130 mm wingspan | 16-26 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, Europe, Asia | Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Broad-Horned Onitis
A large, dark brown to black tunneler with massive forelegs in males. The prothorax is greatly enlarged. It digs deep vertical shafts beneath cattle dung and is primarily nocturnal. Males use their forelegs in combat.
Did You Know?
The enormous forelegs of the male serve double duty, used both for digging and for grappling with rival males.