Death's-head Hawk-moth - Acherontia atropos

Description

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.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Various habitats. It has the unusual habit of entering beehives in search of honey and, if handled, emits a loud squeak.

When to see it

During late summer and autumn.

Life History

The large caterpillar feeds on potato and is sometimes found in potato fields during good immigration years.

UK 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.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).

Reference
69.005 BF1973

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Death's-head Hawk-moth
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Sphingidae
Records on NatureSpot:
5
First record:
29/08/2005 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
10/11/2022 (Kimpton, Lee)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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