Death's Head Hawk Moth - Acherontia

Death’s Head Moth

Given its unusual skull-like marking, it's probably not surprising that the Death's Head Moth was once considered a bad omen. However, the moth is completely harmless and even squeaks to deter predators!

Entomologist Moses Harris wrote that "It is regarded not as the creation of a benevolent being, but the device of evil spirits - conceived and fabricated in the dark, and the very shining of its eyes is thought to represent the fiery element whence it is supposed to have proceeded. Flying into their apartments in the evening at times it extinguishes the light; foretelling war, pestilence, hunger, death to man and beast."

Although many moths drink nectar from flowers, the death's head moth mostly feeds on honey. To protect themselves, the moth produces a chemical to soothe the bees and is able to enter the hive unharmed.

There are three known species of Death's Head Moth :
- The African death's head, Acherontia atropos, found throughout the Middle East, Mediterranean and down to the southern tip of Africa
- The Lesser death's head, Acherontia styx, found throughout eastern continental Asia
- The Greater death's head, Acherontia lachesis, found throughout Asia and recently established on the Hawaiian Islands.