Ornate Soldier Fly vs Death Head Hawkmoth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ornate Soldier Fly | Death Head Hawkmoth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Odontomyia ornata | Acherontia atropos |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Stratiomyidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 100-130 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Africa, Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ornate Soldier Fly
A medium-sized soldier fly with a green and black patterned abdomen and a somewhat flattened body. Adults are sluggish fliers often found basking on waterside vegetation.
Did You Know?
Its aquatic larvae have a unique hydrophobic tail fringe that acts as a breathing snorkel at the water surface.
Death Head Hawkmoth
Famous for the skull-like pattern on its thorax. Can emit a loud squeak when disturbed. Raids beehives by mimicking bee scent to steal honey.
Did You Know?
Deaths-head hawkmoths invade beehives by releasing a chemical that mimics the scent of bees, allowing them to walk in unbothered and feast on honey.