Death’s Head Hawk Moth Care Guide

Acherontia atropos

There are several species of Death’s Head Hawk Moths within the genus Acherontia; however, this care guide specifically refers to Acherontia atropos, the species most commonly kept and reared in captivity.

This is a robust, easy, and highly rewarding species to rear at home. Acherontia atropos does not require any specialist equipment or environmental control and thrives very well at normal room temperature, making it suitable for beginners and experienced breeders alike.

By broadly following standard moth-rearing techniques, excellent results can be achieved with this species.

Egg Stage: Laying, Incubation, and Hatching

After mating, female Death’s Head Hawk Moths lay eggs singly or in small groups on suitable host plants. In captivity, providing fresh cuttings or potted host plants encourages egg laying. Buddleia often receives the highest number of eggs, although other host plants may also be used.

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Egg Care

  • Eggs should be kept in an airtight plastic container
  • Keep at room temperature, out of direct sunlight
  • Avoid condensation, as excessive moisture can lead to mould

Eggs typically hatch without difficulty. Do not mist the eggs, this will drown them; ambient humidity is sufficient.

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Hatching

Larvae begin to hatch within a week (4-7 days on average, temperature dependent). Move hatchlings to a new container individually by hand or using a soft paint brush. Provide fresh foliage for the larvae to begin feeding on.

Do not add host plant material to the egg container as the moisture released by foliage can cause condensation buildup which will drown the developing embryo within the egg.

Hatchlings begin feeding rapidly once established on fresh foliage.

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Yellow form larvae in L4/5

These can be particularly colourful with turquoise-blue stripes and dots, creating a beautiful pattern on the yellow base colour

Host Plants and Feeding

Death’s Head Hawk Moth caterpillars accept a wide range of host plants, including:

  • Privet (evergreen)
  • Lilac
  • Ash
  • Tomato
  • Potato
  • Other Solanaceae species

From experience, Privet is an excellent host plant and consistently produces large, healthy moths. During spring and summer, Lilac and Ash are also very useful; however, once leaves begin to turn in autumn they should be avoided, as they become nutritionally poor.

Hatchlings begin feeding rapidly once established on fresh foliage.

Caterpillar Stages and Colour Forms (L5)

In the final instar (L5), before pupation, Death’s Head Hawk Moth caterpillars display several distinct colour forms:

  • Yellow form (most common): yellow body with bright turquoise-blue stripes and spots
  • Pale green form: pale green body with green-blue markings (rarer)
  • Brown mottled form: darker and camouflaged, possibly mimicking animal droppings or dead foliage

Typically, the majority of larvae are yellow, with around 10% showing brown coloration. The pale green form is rarer and does not always occur. These variations may be influenced by environmental factors and appears more frequently in wild or outdoor-reared larvae.

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L5 larvae

Both of these caterpillars are in L5, the final instar before pupation - showing two distinct colour forms. Though they have a size difference, the smaller brown larva will quickly catch up and reach the same size before pupation

Pre-Pupation Behaviour

Once caterpillars reach maturity, they appear noticeably large and full-bodied. After finishing feeding, they change to a brown-orange colour, their legs become shorter and stubbier, and they begin wandering around the enclosure. This behaviour indicates that pupation is imminent.

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Pupation and Substrate

Death’s Head Hawk Moth caterpillars burrow to pupate, constructing an underground chamber after wandering for one to two days.

Substrate Options

  • Soil or compost: Can be used, but results are variable as it can be difficult to achieve the ideal humidity level. If chosen, the substrate should be sterilised by baking to eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and predatory invertebrates.
  • Tissue paper or newspaper (recommended): Place caterpillars in a plastic storage box with scrunched-up paper. The larvae will shred the material to form a pupation chamber. A light misting will ensure there is enough humidity for larvae to pupate properly

You can also leave the larvae to pupate on the base of the rearing enclosure. This can work, but risks larvae disturbing each other during the wandering stage, and is probably less hygienic so may achieve a lower overall pupation rate.

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Pupal Stage Care

Pupation is usually complete 7–10 days after burrowing, but pupae should be left undisturbed for at least two weeks to allow them to harden fully.

Fresh pupae appear yellowish and jelly-like, gradually darkening to a firm brown as they solidify and darkening again to nearly black when the adult moth is close to emerging (usually after 3-6 weeks).

Pupae require very little intervention. Once hardened, they can simply be placed in an emergence enclosure. Note that during periods of cool weather emergence will be delayed somewhat, and extended cold periods can lead to the pupae entering diapause.

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Pre-pupa

This larva is clearly showing the orange colouration typical of the pre-pupal stage. It is burrowed within tissue paper and will pupate in a few days.

Adult Emergence and Enclosure Setup

Emerging moths require:

  • A textured surface to grip while exiting the pupa
  • Enough vertical space to climb and hang

After emergence, moths suspend themselves from the top of the enclosure while their wings expand and harden.

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Feeding Adult Death’s Head Hawk Moths

Unlike silkmoths, Acherontia atropos has fully functional mouthparts and must be fed to survive.

Nectar Solution

  • A rich honey or sugar solution at approximately 50% concentration

Most Death’s Head Hawk Moths do not feed voluntarily in captivity and will require hand feeding. This is not difficult but may take some practice. Numerous tutorials are available online (search: hand feeding hawk-moths).

When handled, these moths are well known for producing a squeaking sound.

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Breeding and Egg Production

Breeding usually occurs after around one week, especially if moths are fed regularly. Egg production increases significantly with frequent feeding and may continue for two weeks or longer.

Adults are relatively long-lived for moths, often surviving several weeks until breeding is complete. Females require a host plant for egg laying, with Buddleia typically receiving the most eggs.