Red Cotton Bug vs Death Head Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Cotton Bug | Death Head Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dysdercus koenigii | Acherontia lachesis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pyrrhocoridae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 100-130 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka) | Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red Cotton Bug
A bright red and black true bug that stains cotton lint by piercing developing cotton bolls. Adults and nymphs aggregate in large numbers on cotton plants, and their feeding introduces fungi that further damage the crop.
Did You Know?
The red staining caused by this bug's feeding on cotton bolls reduces the market value of the cotton fiber by creating permanent yellow spots.
Death Head Hawk Moth
An Asian death head moth that squeaks loudly and raids bee hives for honey.
Did You Know?
It produces a chemical that mimics bee pheromones to avoid attack inside hives.