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Acherontia atropos, death s-head hawk-moth
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Acherontia atropos, death s-head hawk-moth
A mounted specimen of the death s-head hawk-moth, which takes its name from the skull-like image on its thorax. Specimen from the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 8583013
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10704394
Acherontia Arthropod Arthropoda Bone Hawk Hawk Moth Hawkmoth Hexapod Hexapoda Horn Worm Hornworm Acherontia Atropos Deaths Head Hawk Moth Deaths Head Hawkmoth
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This striking photograph showcases a mounted specimen of the Acherontia atropos, also known as the death's head hawk-moth or the death's head hawkmoth. This intriguing arthropod belongs to the Sphingidae family, commonly referred to as hawk moths, and is renowned for its unique thorax, which bears an uncanny resemblance to a human skull. The Acherontia atropos is a nocturnal insect, with a wingspan of up to 10 centimeters. Its appearance is quite distinctive, with its large, orange-brown wings adorned with black spots and its thorax featuring a prominent, white skull-like marking. This macabre design is believed to act as a warning to potential predators, deterring them from attacking the moth due to its association with death. The death's head hawk-moth undergoes a remarkable transformation during its life cycle. It begins as a caterpillar, which is commonly referred to as a hornworm due to the long, curved horn on its head. The caterpillar feeds on various plants, including tobacco and tomatoes, and can grow up to 15 centimeters in length. Once it has reached maturity, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis, from which the adult moth emerges after several weeks. The Acherontia atropos is an essential component of various ecosystems, playing a crucial role in pollination. Its unique appearance, however, has made it a subject of fascination for naturalists and collectors alike, with this specimen being a prized addition to the Natural History Museum's extensive collection in London.
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