Ilia Underwing vs Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ilia Underwing | Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Catocala ilia | Acherontia styx |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 70-95 mm wingspan | 80-115 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf states | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ilia Underwing
A large moth with bark-patterned gray forewings that conceal bright reddish-orange and black hindwings. When startled, it flashes its colorful hindwings to confuse predators.
Did You Know?
It rests head-down on tree trunks during the day, where its cryptic forewings blend perfectly with oak bark.
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.
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.