The death's-head hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos) is an ominous-looking black and yellow moth with a skull pattern on the thorax. It is best known for being in the 1991 movie: "Silence of the Lambs." and 1952's "Dracula." Despite the threatening appearance, the squeak it can produce while agitated is not as intimidating. Regardless, it is still startling enough to be considered a deterrent against predators.
General Info About Death's-head hawkmoth
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Attributes of Death's-head hawkmoth
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
open land; potato field; Solanaceae; Oleaceae; tobacco
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from species like petunia, jasmine, honeysuckle, nicotiana, gardenia
Larva Food Source
Solanaceae family plants (such as potato and tomato leaves), jasminum species, viburnum species, fraxinus (ash tree) species, lonicera (honeysuckle) species
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Death's-head hawkmoth has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Death's-head hawkmoth is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Death's-head hawkmoth is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Death's-head hawkmoth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Death's-head hawkmoth
It is commonly found in the southern part of Europe and throughout much of Africa, from where it is considered to be a native species. It occurs throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. It invades western Eurasia frequently, although few individuals successfully overwinter.
Distribution Area of Death's-head hawkmoth
Middle East, much of Africa down to the southern tip, southern Great Britain, western Eurasia
Appearance of Death's-head hawkmoth
Acherontia atropos is a large hawk moth with a wingspan of about 9 - 13 cm, making it the largest moth in a number of the regions in which it resides. An adult Acherontia atropos has the typical wing and body structure seen in the family Sphingidae. The upper set of wings are brown with hints of yellow, amber, charcoal and cream; the lower wings are yellow with two brown stripes fashioned in waves extending diagonally across the surface. The larvae are stout with a posterior horn, as is typical of larvae of the Sphingidae. The larva grows to about 12 - 13 cm. The pupa is smooth and glossy with the proboscis fused to the body, as in most Lepidoptera.
Egg Upon being laid, the egg of death's-head hawkmoth offers protection and sustenance to the developing embryo. Its size, color, and shape vary but generally remain minute and inconspicuous, often resembling small plant parts.
Larva The larva hatches with a worm-like appearance, vastly differing from the adult death's-head hawkmoth. It is primarily focused on feeding and growth, molting multiple times as its size increases.
Pupal The pupa represents a transitional phase enclosed in a chrysalis. Here, death's-head hawkmoth undergoes drastic transformations internally as tissues are rearranged to form adult structures, inactive externally.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult death's-head hawkmoth's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Adult Size of Death's-head hawkmoth
9 - 13 cm
Predators of Death's-head hawkmoth Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps
Predators of Adult Death's-head hawkmoth
Bats, birds, praying mantises, spiders
Interesting Facts About Death's-head hawkmoth
Death's-head hawkmoth can emit a loud squeak when distressed by expelling air from their proboscis.
Scientific Classification of Death's-head hawkmoth
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Youth Habitat of Death's-head hawkmoth
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Adult Habitat of Death's-head hawkmoth
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Gardens and Parklands
How Can You Attract Death's-head hawkmoth
For death's-head hawkmoth, using strong-smelling baits like fermented fruit or sugary solutions can be an effective method of attraction during the adult stage.
Habitat Preferences of Death's-head hawkmoth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of death's-head hawkmoth are often found on the underside of host plant leaves, while the caterpillars reside on host plants, devouring leaves voraciously. Pupae typically develop underground or in loose soil, forming sturdy cocoons. To observe these stages, one would inspect the host plants for eggs and caterpillars, and sift through soil near these plants for the camouflaged cocoons. Adults, being nocturnal and having a propensity for flowers with strong, sweet scents, are most commonly encountered in areas abundant with such flora, frequently during the night.
When is the Best Time to Observe Death's-head hawkmoth
The suitable time to find death's-head hawkmoth varies with the stage of its life cycle. Adults are more active during nighttime, making dusk or night the optimal time for observation. Larvae can be found during daylight, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
What is the Best Weather to Observe Death's-head hawkmoth
Death's-head hawkmoth prefers temperate conditions with low wind speeds for flight. A slightly humid atmosphere can be more conducive for larvae to be active and visible.
How and Where Can You Find Death's-head hawkmoth at Different Life Stages
Egg Death's-head hawkmoth eggs are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, carefully inspect potential host plants and look for round or oval eggs laid in clusters or rows.
Larva Death's-head hawkmoth larvae are large caterpillars with a distinctive horn at the rear end. They can be found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding damage on plants and closely inspect for the presence of caterpillars.
Pupal Death's-head hawkmoth pupae are often found buried in the ground or in leaf litter near the host plants. Search for disturbed soil or exposed pupal cases during their pupation period.
Adult Death's-head hawkmoth adults are heavy-bodied moths with a wingspan that can be detected by looking for them near sources of light or food such as flowers during the night or by setting up traps baited with sweet substances.
Are Death's-head hawkmoth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Death's-head hawkmoth
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Agricultural Pests
The larvae of death's-head hawkmoth can cause mild to severe damage, primarily feeding on the leaves of potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco. A small number of larvae might go unnoticed, but a large infestation can lead to significant defoliation, impacting plant growth and reducing yields. If unmanaged, this can have economic consequences for farmers and affect food supply.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Night-Blooming Flowers, Strong-Scents Flowers
Attract Plant Feature
Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Death's-head hawkmoth is an intriguing pollinator that primarily visits night-blooming, fragrant flowers. Its long proboscis allows it to access deep nectar sources, inadvertently transferring pollen as it feeds. Though not intentional, this pollen transport aids in plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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