Head to head
Convolvulus Hawk-moth vs Death's Head Hawkmoth
Convolvulus Hawk-moth
VS Death's Head Hawkmoth
The convolvulus hawk-moth and death's head hawkmoth are two large migrant hawk-moths that fly north to Europe from warmer regions, with very different habits.
| Convolvulus Hawk-moth | Death's Head Hawkmoth | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Agrius convolvuli | Acherontia atropos |
| Markings | Grey-brown forewings with darker markings and an abdomen banded with pink and black | Dark brown and yellow mottled forewings with a pale, skull-like marking on the back of the thorax |
| Caterpillar food | Bindweed and sweet potato | Leaves of nightshade-family plants, including potato |
| Adult food | Nectar from scented tubular flowers, taken through a very long proboscis | Tree sap, fallen fruit, and honey raided directly from beehives |
| Distinctive habit | Hovers in front of flowers at dusk like a hummingbird, feeding on the wing without landing | Squeaks by pumping air through its pharynx, and enters active hives protected by a thick cuticle and a colony-like scent |
| Migration | Migrates north each summer from warmer regions, reaching northern Europe in late summer and autumn | Migrates seasonally in some regions, turning up far outside its usual breeding range in warm periods |
| Range | Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, with northern populations dependent on migration | Africa, the Mediterranean, and parts of the Middle East, with migrants reaching much of Europe |
| Conservation status | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
Convolvulus Hawk-moth vs Death's Head Hawkmoth: common questions
Which hawk-moth has a skull on its back?
The death's head hawkmoth, which carries a pale, skull-like pattern on the back of its thorax.
Which one raids beehives?
The death's head hawkmoth, which can enter an active hive and feed on stored honey.
What do their caterpillars eat?
The convolvulus hawk-moth's feed on bindweed and sweet potato, while the death's head hawkmoth's feed on nightshade-family plants including potato.