Death's-head Hawkmoth

Acherontia atropos, the African death's-head hawkmoth, is the most widely recognized of three species within the genus Acherontia. It is most commonly identified by the vaguely skull-shaped pattern adorning the thorax, the characteristic from which its common and scientific names are derived. The species was first given its scientific name by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. Scientific Name: Acherontia atropos Range: Africa, Mediterranean Europe Size: Wingspan 9–13 cm Status: Native ID Notes: Distinct skull-shaped pattern on the back of the thorax. Massive size. Yellow-and-black banded abdomen. Behavior / Notes: Famous from 'Silence of the Lambs'. Squeaks audibly when disturbed (unique among Lepidoptera). Raids honey bee hives for honey — mimics bee odor.