Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth vs Flat-Headed Dung Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth | Flat-Headed Dung Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acherontia styx | Paragymnopleurus maurus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 80-115 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia | South Asia, Southeast 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.
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle
A medium-sized shiny black roller dung beetle with a distinctively flat clypeal margin. It is highly active during the day and rolls dung balls rapidly across open terrain. Common in tropical Asian habitats near cattle.
Did You Know?
When the ground becomes too hot, this beetle climbs on top of its dung ball to cool its feet before continuing to roll.