Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth

About 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.

How to Identify Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth (Acherontia styx) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Adults typically measure 80-115 mm.

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth Habitat

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth is found in farmland habitats, particularly across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth Diet and Feeding

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.

Where Is Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth Found?

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth can be found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Is Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth Dangerous?

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth Role in Nature

Lesser Death's-head Hawk Moth is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity