Death's Head Hawkmoth
Acherontiaatropos
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Gardener's Notes:
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M
Magpye
NW Qtr, AR (Zone 6a) |
October 2006 |
Neutral
- Distribution -
Found throughout Africa, Madagascar and most of Europe. A slightly different form, regarded by some as a separate species, is found throughout Asia.
- Derivation of Name -
The Death's head hawk moth is so called because of the skull-like pattern on the thorax. As far as the latin name is concerned, according to Pinhey (1975): "Atropos, one of the Fates, was a daughter of Nox and Erebus and was illustrated... with veiled face and a pair of scissors to cut the thread of life. This is the thoracic pattern of a mask with scissors below it. A sinister but undeserved portrait."
- Life Cycle -
o Adult: When handled the moth emits a loud squeaking sound made using the curled up proboscis. The adult moth raids bee... read more
Found throughout Africa, Madagascar and most of Europe. A slightly different form, regarded by some as a separate species, is found throughout Asia.
- Derivation of Name -
The Death's head hawk moth is so called because of the skull-like pattern on the thorax. As far as the latin name is concerned, according to Pinhey (1975): "Atropos, one of the Fates, was a daughter of Nox and Erebus and was illustrated... with veiled face and a pair of scissors to cut the thread of life. This is the thoracic pattern of a mask with scissors below it. A sinister but undeserved portrait."
- Life Cycle -
o Adult: When handled the moth emits a loud squeaking sound made using the curled up proboscis. The adult moth raids bee... read more