These moths have many unusual features. All three species can make a loud squeak if irritated. The sound is made by moving air from the pharynx, often along with the flashing of the brightly-colored abdomen in a further attempt to deter predators. All three species raid beehives of different species of honey bee for honey, but "A. atropos" only attacks colonies of the well-known western honey bee, "Apis mellifera". They are able to move about in hives unhurt because they mimic the scent of the bees.