#hawkmoth – @biomedicalephemera on Tumblr

Death’s-Head Hawkmoth - Acherontia atropos There are three species of Death’s-Head Hawkmoth, all of which raid the hives of honeybees for their honey. They mimic the scent of their target bee, and this prompts the members of the hive to not attack the intruder. A. atropos targets the Western Honey-Bee, and is the only species of Death’s-Head Hawkmoth in Europe. Aside from their ominous markings, these moths can “scream” when threatened. The “scream” is really a loud squeak, emitted by pushing air through the pharynx. Accompanied by flashing their contrasting colors, the unique screech is enough to scare off most predators. The Naturalist’s Library Vol. VI: Entomology - Bees and Related Species. James Duncan, compiled by Sir William Jardine, 1840.

#hawkmoth #moth #jardine #1800s #1840 #skull #insects #entomology #James Duncan #acherontia atropos #death #death's-head hawkmoth

biomedicalephemera

Death's-Head Hawkmoth - Acherontia atropos There are three species of Death's-Head Hawkmoth, all of which raid the hives of honeybees for their honey. They mimic the scent of their target bee, and this prompts the members of the hive to not attack the intruder. A. atropos targets the Western Honey-Bee, and is the only species of Death's-Head Hawkmoth in Europe. Aside from their ominous markings, these moths can "scream" when threatened. The "scream" is really a loud squeak, emitted by pushing air through the pharynx. Accompanied by flashing their contrasting colors, the unique screech is enough to scare off most predators. The Naturalist's Library Vol. VI: Entomology - Bees and Related Species. James Duncan, compiled by Sir William Jardine, 1840.

#entomology #natural history #lepidoptera #death's-head hawkmoth #moth #hawkmoth #1800s #1840 #James Duncan #Jardine #symbolism

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Indische Prachtwespen ("Glorious Wasps of India")

That big wasp alighting at the top right of the illustration is the Yellow-Banded Wasp, and is common both in India and throughout the warmer parts of Asia.

In the center of the illustration, the biggest insect is the "Enormous Digging Wasp", a name which seems to fit its appearance well.

Brehms Tierleben, Allgemine Kunde des Tierreichs. Otto zur Strassen, 1915.

#wasp #insect #natural history #german #india #hawkmoth #hornet #1910s #1915