Death's-head Hawkmoth
ExploreInsects
Death's-head Hawkmoth
Acherontia atropos
The Death's-head Hawkmoth is a large and unusual moth known for the skull pattern on its back. It has a mysterious look!
Habitat: Forests and gardens
Appearance
The Death's-head Hawkmoth has a dark brown body with yellow and black striped underwings, but its most striking feature is a pale, skull-like pattern on its fuzzy thorax. Its abdomen is thick and yellow with black bands, giving it a wasp-like appearance from above.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusAcherontia
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
Despite its spooky name, it is completely harmless to humans.
It can travel incredibly far, sometimes flying across entire continents!
The caterpillar can grow as big as a child's finger before it pupates!
This moth's scary skull-like mark made it famous in horror stories!
Special abilities
Ability
Squeaky Siren
Death's-head Hawkmoth can make a loud squeaking sound by forcing air that helps them startle predators and even honeybees.
Ability
Honey Heist
Death's-head Hawkmoth has a sturdy proboscis that helps them pierce beehive combs to steal honey without being stung.
Ability
Nocturnal Navigator
Death's-head Hawkmoth has excellent night vision that helps them find flowers and navigate long distances after dark.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 90-130 mm
- Size
- 40-60 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 40 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult moths sip nectar from flowers and sneak sips of honey from beehives.
Age differences: Larvae eat leaves of plants like potato and tomato, while adults feed on nectar and honey.
Primary Foods
- Flower nectar
- Tree sap
- Honey
- Potato leaves
- Tomato leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Western Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Steals stored honey from their hives.
eats
Potato
Solanum tuberosum
Caterpillars munch on the leaves of this plant.
eaten by
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
Hunts moths during nocturnal flights.
pollinates
Flowering Tobacco
Nicotiana alata
Visits night-blooming flowers for their sweet nectar.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Singing
Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Acherontia MothDeath's-head Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Death's-head Hawkmoth's wingspan?
90-130 mm
How big is Death's-head Hawkmoth?
40-60 mm
How long does Death's-head Hawkmoth live?
14-30 days
How fast can Death's-head Hawkmoth fly?
40 km/h
What does Death's-head Hawkmoth eat?
Adult moths sip nectar from flowers and sneak sips of honey from beehives.
Where is Death's-head Hawkmoth usually found?
Forests and gardens
How does Death's-head Hawkmoth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Death's-head Hawkmoth have?
6
Snap Map
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