Greater Death's Head Hawkmoth
Common NameGreater Death's Head Hawkmoth
Scientific NameAcherontia atropos
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)110
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, black, yellow, grey, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, cultivated areas, gardens, fields, often near potato crops
Geographic RangeEurope, Africa, Middle East, parts of Asia
Host Plantspotato, tomato, deadly nightshade, jasmine, tobacco
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods in temperate regions)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay eggs singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are large, green or yellow, often with diagonal stripes and a horn at the rear, and pupate in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, the distinctive skull-like pattern on the thorax, the yellow and black banded abdomen, and its ability to emit a squeaking sound when disturbed.
Description
A large, robust moth characterized by its mottled brown and black forewings, and a striking yellowish-orange abdomen with black bands. Its most distinctive feature is the prominent skull-like marking on its dark, velvety thorax.
