The Acherontia atropos, commonly known as the Death's-head Hawkmoth, is one of the most iconic moths in the world, famed for the skull-like marking on its thorax and its unique behaviors. It belongs to the family Sphingidae and is found across parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The Death's-head Hawkmoth is a large moth with a wingspan ranging from 9-13cm. Its forewings are mottled brown, gray, and black, resembling tree bark for camouflage, while the hindwings are bright yellow with black bands. The most distinguishing feature is the golden skull-like pattern on the thorax, which has given rise to its eerie reputation.
This species is widely distributed, occurring in: Africa, its primary range and breeding ground; Europe, where migrants are often spotted and breed in the summer months; and the Middle East, where stable populations exist in warmer regions. The moth prefers open, warm habitats such as grasslands, gardens, agricultural fields, and forest edges.
Adults feed on honey, nectar, and occasionally tree sap. They are notorious for raiding beehives, using chemical mimicry to avoid detection by worker bees. Unlike most moths, Acherontia atropos can produce a loud squeaking sound when threatened by forcing air through their pharynx, likely as a defensive mechanism. This species is a strong flier, capable of long-distance migrations between Africa and Europe.
The Death's-head Hawkmoth has long been associated with superstition and folklore due to its skull-like marking and eerie squeaking. It has been featured in literature, art, and popular culture, most famously in the movie The Silence of the Lambs.
Difficulty - Easy (2/10)
Host plants - Privet; Lilac; Ash; Potato; Tomato; other Solanum
Conditions - Room temp. is sufficient but they do enjoy some warmth
Lifecycle - Typically continually brooded; pupae can enter diapause if conditions become unfavourable but they are not particularly cold tolerant
