Death's-head Hawk-moth
Acherontia atropos
This record describes Acherontia atropos (species). Recorded family: Sphingidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 80 to 120 mm. The largest moth to appear in Britain, sporting a wingspan of up to 12 or 13cm, this is a striking species, though it is not native. Its English name is derived from the pattern resembling a skull on the back of its head. Good photographs and/or the specimen required. Various habitats. It has the unusual habit of entering beehives in search of honey and, if handled, emits a loud squeak. The large caterpillar feeds on potato and is sometimes found in potato fields during good immigration years. Immigrants arrive from southern Europe, usually several in each year. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant. Generally rare or in rapid decline in VC55. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Sphingidae
- Genus
- Acherontia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats. It has the unusual habit of entering beehives in search of honey and, if handled, emits a loud squeak.
Seasonal Activity
During late summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The large caterpillar feeds on potato and is sometimes found in potato fields during good immigration years.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Immigrants arrive from southern Europe, usually several in each year. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Acherontia atropos. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Death's-head Hawk-moth (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Death's-head Hawk-moth
What is Death's-head Hawk-moth?
Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos) is a species in the family Sphingidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Death's-head Hawk-moth found?
Habitat: Various habitats. It has the unusual habit of entering beehives in search of honey and, if handled, emits a loud squeak.
When is Death's-head Hawk-moth active?
Death's-head Hawk-moth: seasonal activity - During late summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Death's-head Hawk-moth?
The large caterpillar feeds on potato and is sometimes found in potato fields during good immigration years.