Uninvited Guest: The Death’s Head Hawk Moth

As a beekeeper, I am used to seeing all sorts of critters buzzing around my beehives. Ants, wasps, spiders, woodlice, slugs and bumblebees are all rather commonplace. Imagine my surprise when one day, I came across a rather large unexpected visitor: a Death’s Head Hawk Moth!

The Death’s Head Hawk Moth is a large, striking moth. It is a rare sight in Ireland and the UK, with only a handfull reported each year. However, the moth is known for its strong connection with honeybees. In this blog post, I will explore the fascinating world of this intriguing moth, and their unique relationship with honeybees. I will also shine a light on their place in history, mythology and culture.

The intriguing appearance of Death’s Head Hawk Moths

The first thing that catches your eye about a Death’s Head Hawk Moth is its unique appearance. Its most distinctive feature is the skull-like marking on its thorax, which has led to its name. These moths are also incredibly large, with a wingspan that can reach up to 5 inches (13cm). Their mottled brown and yellow coloring helps them blend into their surroundings, making them hard to spot at times.

The connection with Honeybees

Death’s Head Hawk Moths have developed several strategies for infiltrating beehives undetected. Firstly, they are able to mimic the scent of honeybees using chemicals called pheromones. This scent allows them to approach the hive without being attacked by guard bees. The guard bees would otherwise recognize them as an intruder.

Once inside the hive, the moths typically head straight for the honey stores. Here, they feed on the honey using their long proboscis (tongue). They may also consume pollen and occasionally prey on bee larvae or pupae. However, bees have developed several defenses against these moth invaders.

One strategy is to gather around the moth in a ball and vibrate their wings to generate heat. This raises the temperature around the moth and makes it difficult for the moth to maneuver. It will then either overheat or suffocate. The bees may also physically attack the moth with their mandibles.

Interestingly, Death’s Head Hawk Moths have also evolved a countermeasure to these defensive tactics. They are able to emit a high-pitched squeaking noise, which can deter bees from attacking. It is thought that this sound may mimic the sound of a queen bee, which would normally calm the colony down.

Its place in the eco system

The Death’s Head Hawk Moth is not a significant pollinator in Northern Europe. While they do feed on nectar and occasionally transfer pollen as they move from flower to flower, they are not as effective at pollination as other insects such as bees, butterflies, or moths with longer proboscises. In fact, their importance in the ecosystem comes more from their role as a food source for predators such as birds and bats.

It’s worth noting, however, that the populations of these rare moths have declined in recent years due to habitat loss and the use of pesticides, which can have negative impacts on the overall health of ecosystems. Conservation efforts to protect this and other insect species are important for maintaining the biodiversity and resilience of our natural world. You can record findings of the species with Biodiversity Ireland.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The distinctive appearance of the Death’s Head Hawk Moth has captivated people throughout history. It has been associated with various mystical and mythological beliefs. In ancient Egypt, the moth was seen as a symbol of the afterlife. It was depicted in funerary art alongside other symbols of death and rebirth. In medieval Europe, the moth was believed to be a harbinger of death. Because of this, its appearance was thought to foretell a coming tragedy.

In popular culture, the Death’s Head Hawk Moth has been featured in several films and TV shows. Including “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Hannibal.” Due to the moth’s association with death and mystery, it has become a popular symbol in gothic and horror genres.

Interesting Facts About Death’s Head Hawk Moths

• The smell of Death’s Head Hawk Moths has been compared to that of beeswax. This may be one of the factors which helps them blend in with honeybees in the hive.
• These moths are capable of hovering in place like a hummingbird, which allows them to feed on nectar from flowers.
• Death’s Head Hawk Moths are able to adapt to a variety of habitats and environments. They are found in many different parts of the world, from Europe to Asia to Africa.

In conclusion, while Death’s Head Hawk Moths may seem like uninvited guests in our beehives, they remain an intriguing species with a unique role to play in the ecosystem. Their ability to mimic the scent of honeybees and generate a high-pitched sound is truly remarkable. Their place in history, mythology and popular culture reflects their enduring fascination. So, the next time you come across a Death’s Head Hawk Moth, if you should be so lucky, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and significance, both in nature and in our cultural imagination. As a beekeeper, I’ll continue to keep an eye out for these peculiar guests, and appreciate their complex relationship with the bees I care for.

For more blogs about uninvited guests, read on here

Hanna Bäckmo

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