The skull-shaped marking on Death’s Head Hawkmoth has given this harmless Moth a sinister reputation. Because of his distinctive skull markings and eerie squeak, some people fear Him. They regard Death’s Head Hawkmoth to be an omen of impending doom.
What make this striking Moth even more unusual are the sounds that He makes. When Death’s Head Hawkmoth is picked up, He squeaks. In addition, when He is a Caterpillar, He makes crackling noises with his jaw. This ability to produce sound has made people leery of Death’s Head Hawkmoth.
Death’s Head Hawkmoth seems to be full of contradictions. Considered to be one of Europe’s largest moths, He actually is from Africa and migrates to Europe. Sinister looking as an adult, Death’s Head Hawkmoth resembles a clown as a Caterpillar. Death’s Head Hawkmoth Caterpillar is bright green with purple stripes.
Another name for Death’s Head Hawkmoth is “Bee Tyger Hawkmoth”. His black and yellow stripes resemble a Tiger. Fond of honey, He will raid a beehive for it. Using his proboscis to suck up honey, Death’s Head Hawkmoth will move across a honeycomb feasting on the Bees’ efforts. One reason that Bees do not kill the invader Moth is because He squeaks like their Queen Bee. Also, some researchers have found He can become chemically invisible to Bees.
Death’s Head Hawkmoth teaches about the rush to judgment. In reality, He is a large beautiful Moth that is harmless to all except Bees. Remember not to rush to judgment about something without investigating it first.
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Va. Carper