MAY: Acherontia atropos EGGS
Host plants: Privet, Lilac, Ash, Tomato, Potato (and other Solanum)
Difficulty: Caterpillars are very easy (1/10); feeding adults requires some patience but is not difficult (3/10)
Temperature: Room temp. is fine but they do enjoy some warmth
Lifecycle: continually brooded but pupae can go into dormancy
The Death’s Head Hawk Moth is a species of Hawk Moth belonging to the family Sphingidae, named after the skull-shaped markings on its head. It is migratory in nature and found in various regions across the world, particularly in Asia, Southern Europe, and North Africa, but often migrating northwards during summer - reports of these moths in the UK have increased in recent years as our climate has warmed. The moths are continually brooded, with multiple generations every year, although pupae are capable of dormancy. They are known to drink honey from beehives, however in captivity a typical nectar solution is perfectly fine. Host plants include: Privet, Lilac, Ash, Tomato, Potato, and other related plants. Caterpillars grow quickly and are very easy to rear. Lay out tissue on the base of the enclosure for mature caterpillars to pupate among, or provide containers with compost for them to burrow into. Pupae emerge 3-4 weeks later. Moths should be fed using nectar solution, hand-feeding will be necessary but this is not difficult.