Fiery Skipper vs Death Head Hawkmoth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fiery Skipper | Death Head Hawkmoth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hylephila phyleus | Acherontia atropos |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 25-34 mm wingspan | 100-130 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern United States, migrating northward in summer | Africa, Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Fiery Skipper
A small bright orange skipper with short antennae and a fast darting flight. Males have a prominent black stigma on the forewing.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most common skippers found in American suburban lawns and is a minor turf grass pest.
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.