Acheron

Acherontia moth

From another world out there...

Autumn inspection and here it is!

It wanders around the hives on autumn nights, attracted by the smell of honey.

He observes which hives are weak enough and attempts an invasion.

In the photo from our apiary, we see an unsuccessful attempt. The design of the hive entrance was the major obstacle, a miscalculation, and the task of the colony's guards was now easy.

What is it?
The Acherontia moth
Acherontia Atropos (Death’ s Head Hawkmoth)
With a length of 9 centimeters!
Its name comes from mythology (Atropos, one of the three Fates, and Acheron).

But also from the skull-like design depicted on her back.

If it passed through the entrance, it would deceive the bees by producing pheromones similar to those of their queen.

He would eat honey, but the chances of him getting out would be slim to none.

The fake pheromones will soon wear off, the bees will immediately detect the intruder, and in the end, all that will remain is a carcass embalmed with propolis, as it would be difficult for them to drag it out of the hive in one piece due to its size.

As for her macabre attire... Nature has the luxury of exaggerating.