Death Head Hawk Moth

[bobh]

This is the first time I have ever seen one of these moths and the internet says that they like potato (Leaves) and honey. Apparently the moth gives off an odour which makes the bees accept the intruder. The top of the head looks like a skull - hence the name. Also known as the Pool Moth. He is about 1.75" from head to tail and 4" wingspan (she has a 'blunter' tail). Sorry the photo is not so good.

 

[REDWOOD]

As what Arnold Schwarzenegger said in the film Predator One ugly mother

 

[pargyle]

As what Arnold Schwarzenegger said in the film Predator One ugly mother

At our previous house we used to see quite a few of them every year ... they are actually quite beautiful ..... and they are HUGE ! Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder I suppose !

 

[garlicpickle]

cool find - I've never seen one of those except pinned on a board at an entomology show

 

[Luminos]

The caterpillars are quite impressive, too

 

[HM Honey]

As what Arnold Schwarzenegger said in the film Predator One ugly mother

Are you kidding Redwood, they are beautiful creatures....

You said the bees allow them in? Do they do much damage?

 

[BeeJayBee]

I've never seen one of these moths, so thanks for the picture.

Are these the ones that can mimic a hive pheromone so it can get some honey?

 

[victor meldrew]

Read an article in a bee book years ago that DHHMs migrated from Europe then after crossing the English Channel, slipped into the nearest beehive for a well earned tank fill of honey with no apparent interruption to the hive workings . The odour camouflage being quoted as being singularly effective!
VM


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[garlicpickle]

Apparently they emit a loud squeak if disturbed as well!

 

[Finno]

Saw one sitting on the observation Hive in Gormanston in 2012. I believe they are capable of mimicking the piping of a newly emerged queen which enables them to confuse guard bees and have their feed of honey! - the wonders of nature!

 

[REDWOOD]

Are you kidding Redwood, they are beautiful creatures....


Probably are to most but moths are my one phobia sorry but I have tarred them all with the same brush
Nothing I hate more is when the fly around the lamp and then dive bomb you

 

[Chris Luck]

Are you kidding Redwood, they are beautiful creatures....

You said the bees allow them in? Do they do much damage?

One DHHM will take next to FA honey, it's a moth not a Badger.

That's a no, they don't do any harm.

Chris