| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 2025 |
| Authors: | M. A. Bodlah, Majid, M., Younas, A., Mohsin, A., Kanwal, A., Bodlah, I., Niaz, Y., Qureshi, M. S., Rasheed, M. T. |
| Journal: | Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science |
| Volume: | 4 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Start Page: | 15 |
| Pagination: | 15-20 |
| Date Published: | 01/03/2025 |
| Keywords: | ACHERONTIA, PAKISTAN, SPHINGIDAE, WORLDMAP1 |
| Abstract: | "The Death's Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos) is a remarkable species belonging to the family Sphingidae, known for its unique mimicry of a skull-like pattern on its thorax. This study presents the first documented record of Acherontia atropos in the role of a kleptoparasite preying upon honey bees in the Rahim Yar Khan, southern most district of Punjab, Pakistan. The findings shed light on the interactions between this enigmatic moth species and the honey bee colonies, highlighting potential implications for both the local ecosystem and apicultural practices." |
| URL: | https://doi.org/10.55627/agrivet.004.01.0772 |
Taxonomic name:
STI taxonomic comments:
The illustrated moths are not Acherontia atropos but Acherontia styx. The interesting new observation is thus not a range extension for Acherontia atropos but a host switch for Acherontia styx from Apis cerana to Apis mellifera, which could have serious apicultural implications.