Death Head Hawkmoth vs Orange Sulphur
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Death Head Hawkmoth | Orange Sulphur |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acherontia atropos | Colias eurytheme |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Pieridae |
| Size | 100-130 mm wingspan | 35-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, Europe, Asia | North America |
| 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.
Orange Sulphur
Orange-yellow butterfly with black wing borders and a pink-rimmed silver spot on the hindwing underside. Often hybridizes with Clouded Sulphur.
Did You Know?
It became vastly more abundant after European settlers introduced alfalfa farming across North America.