Mediterranean Fruit Fly vs Death Head Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Fruit Fly Death Head Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Ceratitis capitata Acherontia lachesis
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Tephritidae Sphingidae
Size 4-6 mm 100-130 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Fruit Feeders Herbivores
Regions Africa, Mediterranean, Americas, Australasia Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mediterranean Fruit Fly

A small colorful fruit fly with patterned wings and a yellowish body. It is one of the world's most destructive agricultural pests, attacking over 300 fruit species.

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Did You Know?

Billions of sterile males are released annually worldwide to suppress wild populations.

Death Head Hawk Moth

An Asian death head moth that squeaks loudly and raids bee hives for honey.

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Did You Know?

It produces a chemical that mimics bee pheromones to avoid attack inside hives.