# Death's-head hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos) > A large, unmistakeable hawkmoth with a skull-like marking on the thorax, known for raiding beehives to steal honey and for its loud squeak. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/death-s-head-hawkmoth/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Non-toxic.** Not venomous and does not bite or sting; like other hawkmoths it has only a sucking proboscis. When handled, adults may squeak loudly and grip with their spiny legs, which can feel scratchy but is harmless. Avoid handling wild moths unnecessarily to prevent damage to their scales and wings. **Pets:** Generally harmless to pets. Larvae are not known to be toxic to dogs or cats, but large caterpillars could be chewed and cause mild stomach upset or choking risk; supervise pets around unfamiliar wildlife. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Acherontia atropos - Also called: African death's-head hawkmoth - Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and moths) - Family: Sphingidae (Hawk moths) - Size: Wingspan 90-130 mm - Colours: Brown, Orange-brown, Cream (thorax marking), Black - Habitat: Open countryside, gardens, farmland, woodland edges and places where host plants (especially Solanaceae) grow. Adults visit flowers and may enter farm outbuildings or beehives. - Range: Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, much of Europe (regular and migratory occurrences), and the Middle East; rare vagrant records further north in Europe. - Active: Mainly nocturnal and crepuscular; in temperate parts of its range active from late spring through autumn (single or multiple broods depending on latitude). - Lifespan: Adults live about 2-4 weeks in the wild (typical for large hawkmoths). - Effect on plants: Occasional defoliator - Pest: no ## Overview Acherontia atropos is one of the largest and most recognisable sphingid moths in Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East. Adults are strong, fast flyers that visit flowers at dusk and night; they are famous for occasionally entering bee nests to drink honey. Larvae feed on a variety of broad-leaved plants, especially members of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The species is well studied and not considered dangerous to people. ## How to identify it Adults have a stout, hairy body and broad wings giving a wingspan typically 90-130 mm. The forewings are patterned in shades of brown and black, while the hindwings are orange-brown with darker bands. The most distinctive feature is a pale, vaguely skull-shaped patch on the dorsal surface of the thorax. The caterpillars are large (up to about 120 mm), smooth, and variable in colour — commonly yellow, green, brown or reddish — often with diagonal striping and a small curved horn on the final abdominal segment. Pupae are dark brown and formed in underground chambers. - Look for the pale skull-shaped mark on the dorsal thorax — the species' most distinctive field mark. - Large size: wingspan typically 90-130 mm with broad forewings and orange-brown hindwings with dark bands. - Caterpillars are very large and smooth, often yellow, green or brown, with diagonal stripes and a small tail horn on the last segment. - If disturbed, adults may produce a distinctive squeaking noise and can push into beehives to access honey. ## Lookalikes - **Oriental death's-head hawkmoth** (Acherontia lachesis): A. lachesis is found in South and East Asia, not in A. atropos's range, and differs subtly in wing pattern and proportions; geographic range is the easiest separator. - **Acherontia styx** (Acherontia styx): A. styx occurs mainly in Asia and has distinct wing markings and size differences; geographic range is the clearest separator from A. atropos. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Small, spherical eggs laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Incubation lasts about 4-10 days depending on temperature. - **Larva (caterpillar):** Large, smooth caterpillars that grow through several instars; usually noticeable because of their size and bright or contrasting colours. Larval feeding lasts several weeks. - **Pupa:** Pupation occurs in a chamber in loose soil or leaf litter where the caterpillar burrows and forms a dark, hard pupa; diapause may occur in cool conditions. - **Adult (moth):** Strong-flying nocturnal moth that seeks nectar and may visit beehives for honey. Adults mate and females lay eggs on suitable host plants. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Leaves of host plants, commonly nightshades (Solanaceae) such as potato, as well as other broad-leaved species. - Adults eat: Nectar from night-blooming flowers and occasionally honey stolen from beehives; adults have a well-developed proboscis for feeding. - Predators of the young: Birds, parasitic wasps and flies, predatory insects and small mammals that eat caterpillars. - Predators of adults: Bats, nocturnal insectivorous birds, and predatory arthropods; adults are also vulnerable to artificial lights and collisions. ## Effect on plants and gardens Larvae feed on a variety of plants, especially Solanaceae such as potato and other nightshades, but also on plants in families like Bignoniaceae and Oleaceae. Heavy local larval populations can defoliate individual plants but the species is not usually a major agricultural pest. ## Where and when to find it Adults: flying near lights, visiting night-blooming flowers, or near apiaries. Larvae: on host plants such as potato and other nightshades. Pupae: in loose soil or leaf litter near host plants. - Best time: Late spring to early autumn in temperate areas; night and dusk are best times to observe adults. - Tips: Search host plants for large caterpillars during the day. Photograph adults at rest showing the thorax marking; use a flash or strong side lighting at night to capture colour and pattern. ## Fun facts - The species can produce a loud squeak by expelling air from the pharynx — unusual among moths. - It sometimes raids beehives to drink honey; it mimics the scent of the colony and is resistant to bee stings, which lets it slip past the guards. - The skull-like thoracic marking has made the moth a cultural symbol; it appears in literature and on the poster for the film 'The Silence of the Lambs'. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do death's-head hawkmoths bite? No. They have no biting mouthparts and cannot bite or sting. A handled adult may squeak and grip with its spiny legs, which is harmless. ### Are death's-head hawkmoths poisonous or dangerous? No. They are not venomous and do not pose a health threat to people or pets. ### Why is one in my house? Large nocturnal moths are attracted to lights and to garden flowers. If host plants or nectar sources are nearby, or if an adult wandered in from outside, it may appear indoors. ### How do I get rid of one without harming it? Gently cup the moth with a clear container and slide a piece of cardboard underneath, then release it outside after dusk. Avoid using pesticides indoors; the moth is harmless and worth releasing. ### Do they eat honey from beehives and damage hives? Adults have been observed entering hives to take honey. They usually take small amounts and are not a major threat to healthy hives, though beekeepers sometimes remove or deter them. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/56530), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acherontia_atropos). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.