Death's Head Hawk-Moth
(Acherontia atropos)
Description: The Death’s Head Moth is perhaps best known by its appearance in the popular book and later movie, “Silence of the Lambs”. The Death’s Head Moth has been intriguing to humans for several reasons; the first is that it scares off potential predators by squeaking. The squeaking sound is produced when they rub their palpi against their proboscis. Secondly, the skull shaped marking on its body, for which it is named, has given rise to much unfounded superstition and fear. Perhaps this is why the Death’s Head Moth has been popular in literature, film and art. A beautiful example of the Death’s Head Moth in art is Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting of the same name. Another interesting behavior seen by this moth, is its ability to enter beehives to feed on honey. Some research has indicated that they mimic the cutaneous fatty acids of the bee, making them chemically invisible to them. These striking moths are seen feeding on potato plant leaves, honey or privet, depending on where they are in their lifecycles. Adults tend to prefer honey, sap and nectar, while larvae feast on the leaves of the potato plant and other plants. In the wild, they are most often seen in sunny, dry locations resting on walls, leaves or even on the ground. They are mostly active in the evening, from dusk until midnight. This moth will sometimes release a moldy smell from its abdominal hairpencils. This moth migrates frequently. It is seen in Europe from July until October and then it lives in Africa during the winter. The Death’s Head Moth is a large and beautiful hawk moth. It is one of the largest moths seen in Europe. At adulthood, their wingspan measures five inches across. They are fuzzy, heavily built moths, with downy wings. Their outer wings are black with contrasting yellow undersides. The caterpillar is also quite large and striking. They are very colorful and measure five inches in length. They have brilliant yellow bodies with blue spots and violet stripes. The most striking thing about these stunning moths is the death’s head pattern seen on their backs. Some specimens will lack this marking, but that is not the norm. The Death’s Head Moth originates in Africa, but it is common in Europe because of its migration patterns. They are sometimes seen as far north as Scandinavia. The Death’s Head Moth has been known by many names including Death's Head Hawk Moth, Death's Head Moth, Bee Tyger Hawk Moth, Death's Head Phantom and Wandering Death Birds.
Breeding and Propagation: Relative Breeding Ease: Uncertain The Death’s Head Moth will lay its eggs singly, on top of leaves. The development time may vary depending on where they are laid. In Europe, they take five to six months to develop. In Africa, they may lay eggs several times a year. The adult moths will generally live at least two to three weeks
Ecology: Often referred to as the "Bee Robber" by early entomologists in Ireland, this species was also known as the Jasmine and Bee Tiger Hawk-moth before its name was changed to the Death's Head Hawk-moth, by which we know it today. Unlike other species in the family, the Death's Head has a short proboscis and so cannot obtain nectar from deep, tubular flowers. The moth is known to raid beehives for honey. When in the hive it emanates a squeaking sound that apparently has a calming effect on the bees and so it is not attacked. Adults have also a liking for sap exuded by trees. It is highly unlikely that the larvae (distinctive as they are) could survive to maturity in Ireland. Abroad it is a continually brooded species producing at least two generations a year. The larva feed on the leaves of potato and other species of Solanaceae. This species has been successfully reared in captivity on garden privet.
White discal spot on forewings
Dark dorsal stripe
Yellow hindwings
Moth squeaks when handled
Sets:
Flight Period: A migrant species, which does not breed in N. Ireland. Adults have been recorded in May, June, August, September and October.
Status: A large impressive species that occasionally, when conditions are favourable, appears in N. Ireland in very small numbers. Most of the records are from Down and other eastern counties. It has been recorded five times in the last twelve years, in 1991,94,95 and 2002. In 1956 seven adults were recorded which is the largest known number in any single year in N. Ireland. Most of the records emanate from the general public, who find the moth by day at rest on walls or fences. In Britain it appears more frequently especially in southern and eastern parts, where adults as well as larva and occasionally pupa have been found.
Ecology: Often referred to as the "Bee Robber" by early entomologists in Ireland, this species was also known as the Jasmine and Bee Tiger Hawk-moth before its name was changed to the Death's Head Hawk-moth, by which we know it today. Unlike other species in the family, the Death's Head has a short proboscis and so cannot obtain nectar from deep, tubular flowers. The moth is known to raid beehives for honey. When in the hive it emanates a squeaking sound that apparently has a calming effect on the bees and so it is not attacked. Adults have also a liking for sap exuded by trees. It is highly unlikely that the larvae (distinctive as they are) could survive to maturity in Ireland. Abroad it is a continually brooded species producing at least two generations a year. The larva feed on the leaves of potato and other species of Solanaceae. This species has been successfully reared in captivity on garden privet.
