🦋 Acherontia spp. (White Form – Vietnam)

Common Name: Death’s-head Hawkmoth

Region: Vietnam, Asia, Europe, Africa

Appearance: Dark brown forewings paired with yellow-orange hindwings; pale white thorax bears a signature skull-like marking.

Size: Wingspan ranges from 5 to 20 cm (2–8 inches)

Habitat: Forested areas, gardens, and agricultural fields

Behavior: Strong, fast flier—sometimes found aboard ships or in remote locations

Feeding: Adults feed on nectar and raid beehives for honey

Taxonomy: Family Sphingidae | Genus Acherontia

Species: A. atropos, A. styx, A. lachesis

Defense Mechanism: Emits shrill chirping when disturbed

Folklore: Associated with death and misfortune in various cultures