Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth vs European Seedcorn Ground Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth | European Seedcorn Ground Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acherontia styx | Zabrus tenebrioides |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 80-115 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
European Seedcorn Ground Beetle
An unusual ground beetle that is herbivorous as an adult, feeding on cereal crops. Larvae are predatory and live in soil burrows.
Did You Know?
It is one of the very few ground beetles that is a crop pest rather than a beneficial predator.