Death's Head Hawkmoth Studies
Added 2024-10-24 07:09:27 +0000 UTCThis month's (moth's?) studies are very rough and pretty rudimentary for the sake of time; plus, I already studied an insect last month, which is still fairly solid in my brain. Just wanted to get a basic idea for the shapes, so that I could get the draft of the comic done! I generally end up referencing photos for the details anyway.
FUN FACTS
There are 3 species known as the Death's head hawkmoth. The one i have chosen to feature this month is acherontia atropos, which is the one most commonly recognized by that name.
all species are capable of emitting a loud chirping sound when irritated or frightened. This sound is generated in the pharynx, whereas most moths who generate sound via rubbing external body parts together.
They frequently raid beehives to feed on their nectar and honey, a behavior which is unique to these species. They can apparently mimic the scent of bees, so are not recognized as intruders.
In South African superstition, the moth is believed to have a poisonous sting that can cause instant death. However, the moth is completely harmless.
The rules for distinguishing moths and butterflies, besides the appearance of their antennae, are not well established.
Moths evolved long before butterflies.
The reason for moths' light attraction is currently unknown. One theory is that they orient their angle of flight according to the moon, helping them fly in a straight line. Light pollution is known to have caused a disruption in either moth populations, or the efficiency of their pollination.
