Eastern Death's Head hawkmoth
Common NameEastern Death's Head hawkmoth
Scientific NameAcherontia styx
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)90
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, orange, brown, grey
HabitatAgricultural areas, gardens, open woodlands, often near host plants
Geographic RangeAsia (India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, East Asia)
Host Plantspotato, tomato, tobacco, jasmine, belladonna, sesame, sunflower
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas, spring to autumn in temperate zones
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, often green or yellow with diagonal stripes and a prominent horn, feeding on various Solanaceae. Pupation occurs in an underground chamber, and adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsLook for the unmistakable skull-like pattern on the thorax, the contrasting dark forewings and bright yellow-and-black banded hindwings, and its large size. It is also known to emit a squeak when disturbed.
Description
A large, robust moth characterized by its dark, mottled forewings and bright yellow hindwings with black bands. Its most distinctive feature is the prominent skull-like marking on its black thorax.
