Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth vs Madagascan Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth | Madagascan Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acherontia styx | Xanthopan praedicta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 80-115 mm | 130-150 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Madagascan Sphinx Moth
A hawkmoth with an extraordinarily long proboscis, endemic to Madagascar. Darwin famously predicted its existence based on a deep orchid.
Did You Know?
Its proboscis can reach up to 30 cm long to access nectar from Angraecum sesquipedale orchids.