Big moth in Pasir Ris mangroves

**budak** · 25-Jan-2010, 12:42 AM

Found this camouflaged moth on a tree trunk at Pasir Ris. Superficial length from head to folded wing tip about 7 cm. Any leads on ID?

**vespa_bicolor** · 25-Jan-2010, 02:54 AM

Looks like a rather worn individual of a death's head hawkmoth (Acherontia sp.).

**butterfly_effect** · 25-Jan-2010, 07:37 AM

yup it does. If it isnt, it definitely belongs to the sphinx or hawkmoth family.

**budak** · 25-Jan-2010, 10:10 AM

thanks! Found this poster by Dr Leong Tzi Ming of local hawk moths: http://www.butterfly-insect.com/alcs...-Singapore.pdf

It seems closest to Acherontia lachesis.

Ellen, the other moth-related proceedings might interest you too: http://butterfly-insect.com/alcs2008...oceedings.html

**butterfly_effect** · 25-Jan-2010, 12:54 PM

wow thanks. Bursting with info!

**atronox** · 27-Jan-2010, 08:57 PM

Either Acherontia lachesis or A. atropos

**hkmoths** · 27-Jan-2010, 11:22 PM

This is A. lachesis

A. atropos is an African species.

The only other species in the genus, A. styx, has a much cleaner look as the postmedial & subterminal fascia are much thinner.

Both atropos and styx lack the basal blackening on the hindwing that is present in A. lachesis

Check out Ian Kitching and Tony Pittaway's Eastern Palaearctic sphingid website or Jan Beck's & Ian Kitching's S.E.Asian sphingid website for more info.

cheers, Roger.

Thread: Big moth in Pasir Ris mangroves