Waterlily Leaf Beetle vs Death Head Hawkmoth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Waterlily Leaf Beetle | Death Head Hawkmoth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Galerucella nymphaeae | Acherontia atropos |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 100-130 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Africa, Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Waterlily Leaf Beetle
A small, brown leaf beetle that feeds on the upper surfaces of waterlily pads. It creates distinctive feeding grooves across floating leaves.
Did You Know?
Although it feeds on aquatic plants, the beetle cannot swim and will drown if it falls off a lily pad into open water.
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.