death’s head moth

insect
Also known as: Acherontia atropos

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characteristics

  • Hawkmoth pollination: hawkmoth (Sphingidae) hovering near a honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium).
    In hawk moth

    …common name for Acherontia atropos, death’s head moth, derives from the fancied facsimile of a human skull on the upper surface of the body. Common in Europe and Africa, these moths have a short proboscis and often feed on honey from beehives. They produce loud chirping or squeaking sounds by…

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  • white admiral
    In lepidopteran: Protection against danger

    The adult African death’s head moth (Acherontia atropos) makes a loud chirping sound. Ageronia butterflies, when startled into flight, make a loud clicking sound by means of a structure on the wings. These sounds may have a startling and therefore delaying effect on a predator.

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