Death's-Head Hawkmoth

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The name Death's-Head Hawkmoth refers to any one of the three species (A. atropos, A. styxand A. lachesis) of moth in the genus Acherontia. The former species is primarily found inEurope, the latter two are Asian, and most uses of the common name refer to the European species. These moths are easily distinguishable by the vaguely human skull-shaped pattern of markings on the thorax. All three species are fairly similar in size, coloration, and life cycle.
These moths have several unusual features. All three species have the ability to emit a loud squeak if irritated. The sound is produced by expelling air from the pharynx, often accompanied by flashing of the brightly-colored abdomen in a further attempt to deter predators. All three species are commonly observed raiding beehives of different species of honey bee for honey; A. atropos only attacks colonies of the well-known Western honey bee, Apis mellifera. They can move about in hives unmolested because they mimic the scent of the bees.[1]

Shadow_Chaser Uploaded by Shadow_Chaser on Jan 7, 2011. Death's-Head Hawkmoth - Desktop Nexus Animals Download free wallpapers and background images: Death's-Head Hawkmoth. Desktop Nexus Animals background ID 555944. High Resolution Image

The name Death's-Head Hawkmoth refers to any one of the three species (A. atropos, A. styxand A. lachesis) of moth in the genus Acherontia. The former species is primarily found inEurope, the latter two are Asian, and most uses of the common name refer to the European species. These moths are easily distinguishable by the vaguely human skull-shaped pattern of markings on the thorax. All three species are fairly similar in size, coloration, and life cycle.
These moths have several unusual features. All three species have the ability to emit a loud squeak if irritated. The sound is produced by expelling air from the pharynx, often accompanied by flashing of the brightly-colored abdomen in a further attempt to deter predators. All three species are commonly observed raiding beehives of different species of honey bee for honey; A. atropos only attacks colonies of the well-known Western honey bee, Apis mellifera. They can move about in hives unmolested because they mimic the scent of the bees.[1] 4.2