Death's-head Hawk-moth Acherontia atropos

Death's head hawk-moth
Deaths-head hawk-moth
The Death's-head Hawk-moth, named after the pattern on its thorax, is the largest moth to appear in the UK, - an occasional migrant from Southern Europe in August-September. It is also called the African Deathshead Hawkmoth to differentiate from the two other Hawkmoths in its genus, both native to Asia, which also have a skull pattern on the thorax.
Death's head hawk-moth
Deaths-head hawk-moth
Its wingspan is 80-120 mm. It is native to Africa, southern Europe and the Middle East. All three in the genus enter beehives to eat honey and pollen. They can expel air to squeak when upset.
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Death's head hawk-moth caterpillar
Death's head hawk-moth caterpillar
Death's head hawk-moth caterpillar
The most common form of late instar caterpillars is a greenish yellow striped with blue-grey. They eat various plants including potato, tomato, nightshades, verbena, olives and vines.
Death's head hawk-moth caterpillar
Death's head hawk-moth caterpillar
Death's head hawk-moth caterpillar
There is also a brown-grey form. When ready to pupate it can reach some 13cm long. It pupates underground in winter, emerging as a moth in spring.