Acherontia lachesis

Acherontia lachesis is a large death’s-head hawkmoth native to South and Southeast Asia. Its thorax bears a pale marking resembling a human skull.

Connect

Acherontia: A genus of large hawkmoths known for skull-like thoracic markings and their association with beehives. Acherontia lachesis is one of the genus’s three recognized species.
Honey bee: A social bee species that produces honey and lives in colonies with elaborate communication and division of labor. Adult Acherontia lachesis can enter honey-bee nests and feed on stored honey.
Death's-head hawkmoth: A common name for large Acherontia hawkmoths, named for skull-like markings on their thoraxes. Acherontia lachesis is one of the moths covered by this common name.
South Asia: A region of Asia encompassing the Indian subcontinent and nearby countries. Parts of this region fall within the species’ native range.
Sphingidae: A family of moths commonly called hawkmoths or sphinx moths, including many strong fliers with long proboscises. This family is the broader taxonomic group containing Acherontia lachesis.
Batesian mimicry: A form of mimicry in which a harmless species resembles a harmful or defended species. The moth’s bee-like odors and sounds are understood as adaptations that help it enter hives.
Hawkmoth caterpillar: The larval stage of a hawkmoth, often marked by a prominent horn near the rear of its body. The species’ caterpillar is a conspicuous, plant-feeding stage before pupation.
Southeast Asia: A region of Asia comprising mainland countries east of India and the islands south of China. The species is native to parts of this region.
Acherontia atropos: A death’s-head hawkmoth species native to parts of Africa and Europe and introduced elsewhere. This better-known congener shares the skull-marked thorax but has a different geographic range.
Moth migration: Seasonal or directional movement by moths between feeding, breeding, and overwintering areas. Movements of this species can bring it into regions beyond its usual tropical range.