About Acherontia lachesis Fabricius, 1798
Acherontia lachesis is much larger than Acherontia styx. Its segmental abdominal bands and grey stripe cover most of the abdomen, leaving only small patches of yellow. The hindwing has a large black patch at its base. Its medial and post-medial bands are very broad, leaving only narrow yellow bands in place. The ventral side of the abdomen is banded with black, and the wings are also banded with black, with a spot in the cell of each wing. The larva of A. lachesis differs from that of A. styx by having blue streaks positioned above the yellow streaks; before pupating, the larva turns brown, and its oblique streaks disappear. In terms of ecology, this moth rests with its wings folded such that the abdomen is completely covered. When disturbed, it lifts its body off the surface it is resting on, partially opens its wings, raises its wings, and emits a squealing sound. The most notable predators of this moth are mostly parasitoids, specifically Amblyjoppa cognatoria, Quandrus pepsoides, and Drino atropivora.
