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

Death's-head Hawkmoth

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

Death's-head Hawkmoth can make a loud squeaking sound by forcing air that helps them startle predators and even honeybees.

Death's-head Hawkmoth has a sturdy proboscis that helps them pierce beehive combs to steal honey without being stung.

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

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Nocturnal

Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.

Venomous

Be amazed by animals that can inject special substances to defend themselves or catch their food! They deliver their potent dose through a bite or a sting.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.