About Death Head Hawkmoth
Famous for the skull-like pattern on its thorax. Can emit a loud squeak when disturbed. Raids beehives by mimicking bee scent to steal honey.
Did You Know?
Deaths-head hawkmoths invade beehives by releasing a chemical that mimics the scent of bees, allowing them to walk in unbothered and feast on honey.
How to Identify Death Head Hawkmoth
Death Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Adults typically measure 100-130 mm wingspan.
Death Head Hawkmoth Habitat
Death Head Hawkmoth is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Africa, Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Death Head Hawkmoth Diet and Feeding
Death Head Hawkmoth is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Death Head Hawkmoth Found?
Death Head Hawkmoth can be found in Africa, Europe, Asia, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Death Head Hawkmoth can be found
Is Death Head Hawkmoth Dangerous?
Death Head Hawkmoth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Death Head Hawkmoth Role in Nature
Death Head Hawkmoth is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Death Head Hawkmoth
What does Death Head Hawkmoth look like?
The Death Head Hawkmoth typically measures 100-130 mm wingspan.
Where is Death Head Hawkmoth found?
The Death Head Hawkmoth is found in Africa, Europe, Asia and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Death Head Hawkmoth eat?
The Death Head Hawkmoth feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Death Head Hawkmoth dangerous to humans?
The Death Head Hawkmoth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Death Head Hawkmoth?
Deaths-head hawkmoths invade beehives by releasing a chemical that mimics the scent of bees, allowing them to walk in unbothered and feast on honey.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Death Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/death-head-hawkmoth
MLA:
"Death Head Hawkmoth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/death-head-hawkmoth.