The Lesser Death’s Head Hawkmoth Frame (Acherontia styx MALE)

Description

Acherontia styx, the lesser death’s head hawkmoth or bee robber, is a sphingid moth found in Asia, one of the three species of death’s-head hawkmoth. It is very fond of honey, and bee keepers have reported finding dead moths in their hives as a result of bee stings. They can mimic the scent of bees so that they can enter a hive unharmed to get honey. Their tongue, which is stout and very strong, enables them to pierce the wax cells of the beehive and suck the honey out. They are also known to be a pest of yuzu (Citrus junos) in South Korea, using their tongue to pierce and damage the fruit.

The species A. styx was featured in the 1991 film, The Silence of the Lambs. In the film, the moths were captive-raised by serial killer Jame Gumb (portrayed by Ted Levine). In one scene, police performing a postmortem examination of a suspected female victim of Gumb was found to have a pupa of A. styx placed in her windpipe, with a pair of entomologists determining the species identity upon dissection and examination of the collected specimen.

Our frame is not just a stunning piece of natural art, but also a long-lasting investment in quality and craftsmanship. Every specimen and every material used in its preparation and mounting is done to museum-grade standards, ensuring that it will last for many years to come and be a cherished addition to your home or office.

This specimen has been carefully prepared in-house by our own entomologist, the Latin name and Locality are printed beneath the specimen, adding an educational aspect to this unique piece.

Latin Name: Acherontia styx

Quality: A1

Distribution: Southeast Asia

Prepared: In-house entomologists.

Frame: Purpose-built wooden shadow box frame with glass window and hanging clips.

Frame Size: 8 x 8 Inch.

Please note, the specimen which you will receive may differ slightly due to the nature of this item.

Where do we source our specimens?

Our specimens are responsibly sourced from sustainable farming projects and never taken from the wild. Your purchase supports the conservation of wildlife habitats for farmed insects in developing countries. We are committed to ethical sourcing and do not offer any species that are endangered or listed on the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) list.

Please allow for a 1-3 day shipping window, as each specimen is personally prepared and mounted by our expert team. During busy periods, there may be additional delays in preparing your frame. To ensure timely delivery for special events such as birthdays, we recommend placing your order well in advance.

At TaxidermyArtistry, we specialize in custom mounting projects and are proud to offer our services to those seeking unique and personalized displays. We use the highest quality materials and techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces that preserve the beauty and intricacies of the natural world.

We have a wealth of experience collaborating with a diverse range of clients, including studios, photographers, and professionals, to bring their projects to life, whether you’re looking to commission a piece for personal or professional use, we would be honoured to bring your vision to life. if you are interested in a commission project, please message us.