Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth vs Imbrasia Silk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth | Imbrasia Silk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acherontia styx | Imbrasia epimethea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 80-115 mm | 90-130 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia | West and Central Africa |
| 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.
Imbrasia Silk Moth
A large West African saturniid with reddish-brown wings bearing dark eyespots. Its caterpillars are among the most widely consumed edible insects in the Congo Basin.
Did You Know?
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, caterpillars of Imbrasia epimethea are a staple food and are sold in markets throughout the country.