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Greater death's head hawkmoth

Greater death's head hawkmoth

Acherontia lachesis

A species of Death's-head hawkmoth, Also known as Tobacco hornworm

The greater death's head hawkmoth (Acherontia lachesis) is a moth that comes out at night. During the day, it is motionless, as if it can't fly. It is called the "bee robber" because it enters beehives to destroy beeswax and steal honey. It is often mistaken for Acherontia Styx (another Bee robber) seen in the movie "The Silence of the Lambs." The two moths are similar, including the skull-like pattern on their backs.

General Info About Greater death's head hawkmoth
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Attributes of Greater death's head hawkmoth
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
host plant
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from a variety of flowering plants
Larva Food Source
Leaves of solanaceae family plants such as potato, tomato, and eggplant
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Greater death's head hawkmoth is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Greater death's head hawkmoth is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Greater death's head hawkmoth
This species occurs throughout almost the entire Oriental region, It has recently become established on the Hawaiian Islands.
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Distribution Area of Greater death's head hawkmoth
India, Sri Lanka
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Life Cycle of Greater death's head hawkmoth
Egg Small and rounded, the eggs of greater death's head hawkmoth are often laid on the underside of leaves. They are mostly inconspicuous, providing camouflage from predators. Development within the egg leads to the larva.
Larva As larvae, greater death's head hawkmoth have a worm-like appearance with a soft body and are known for their voracious appetite. They exhibit distinct color patterns, aiding in species identification, and grow through molts.
Pupal The pupa of greater death's head hawkmoth is a transition stage. Encased within a hardened chrysalis, it undergoes significant transformation. The pupa is immobile and may differ in color and texture.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult greater death's head hawkmoth’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Adult Greater death's head hawkmoth
Bats, birds, spiders, frogs, larger insects
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Interesting Facts About Greater death's head hawkmoth
Greater death's head hawkmoth larvae possess a unique horn-like structure at the end of their bodies, used as a startling visual to deter predators.
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Scientific Classification of Greater death's head hawkmoth
Tips for Finding Greater death's head hawkmoth
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Youth Habitat of Greater death's head hawkmoth
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Greater death's head hawkmoth
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Greater death's head hawkmoth
For attracting adult greater death's head hawkmoth, sweet-scented flowers and baits made from fermenting fruit or sugary solutions can be used.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Greater death's head hawkmoth
Calm, warm, and humid nights are ideal for observing adult greater death's head hawkmoth, while overcast days with mild temperatures may be suitable for finding caterpillars since extreme heat may drive them to hide.
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How and Where Can You Find Greater death's head hawkmoth at Different Life Stages
Egg Greater death's head hawkmoth eggs are usually laid on the undersides of host plant leaves. To find them, inspect the chosen plants carefully, looking for small, round or oval eggs that can be various colors depending on species.
Larva Greater death's head hawkmoth caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding, such as damage to leaves, and search the plant from top to bottom. They can also be found by looking for frass (caterpillar droppings) on the ground beneath the host plants.
Pupal Greater death's head hawkmoth pupae may be buried in the soil, hidden in leaf litter, or within a cocoon attached to the host plant or nearby structures. To find pupae, carefully excavate soil around the host plants or examine the surrounding area for cocoons that might be camouflaged.
Adult Greater death's head hawkmoth adults are moths that are typically nocturnal and can be located by setting up light traps that attract them with bright light, or by creating bait stations with sweet fermented fruit to lure them in after dusk.
Are Greater death's head hawkmoth harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Greater death's head hawkmoth
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Greater death's head hawkmoth is attracted by the strong scent of certain nocturnal flowers. It has a lengthy proboscis perfectly adapted to reaching deep into flowers for nectar, inadvertently picking up pollen and transferring it to other blossoms in the process.
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