Sphingidae : Sphinginae
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Photo © Mike Crewe,  Weybourne, October 13th 2005

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Immature stages

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Similar Norfolk Species: None
 
Death's-head Hawk-moth
Acherontia atropos

(Linnaeus, 1758) 1973 / 69.005

Norfolk status
Rare immigrant.
Adult moths have an unmistakable skull-like marking on thorax. Unable to overwinter, seldom seen except in light traps or in beehives feeding on honey.

When disturbed, the adult makes a unique squeeking sound by passing air over a reed like structure in its proboscis.

Adults arriving in the summer can sometimes produce larvae that pupates. Larvae still occasionally found in Norfolk.

Larvae and pupae were once commonly found in potato fields throughout Norfolk, especially in the year 1950, when 326 were recorded from 64 different locations (see map). Sadly, the use of pesticides on commercial crops has resulted in a major decline.

Folklore regards this moth as an omen of death. In Greek mythology one of the three daughters of Necessity, known as the Moirai (Fates), named Atropos cuts the thread of life!

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 44 (59%) of 74 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1834.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats

< Convolvulus Hawk-moth | Privet Hawk-moth >

Determination
Deaths Head Hawk Moths in Norfolk - E A Ellis 1950 Trans. 17(2)
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10kGeneral Area
08/09/2024127TG32Brunstead
14/08/2024127TG01Elsing
09/10/2023227TM39Ditchingham
27/09/2023+27TG00Barnham Broom
10/09/2023127TG10Bowthorpe / Earlham
Show Details | 1990 to 2023 | 2000 to 2023 | Graph Key
Express Record Death's-head Hawk-moth
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Copyright © Lepidoptera UK 2024
   
Click Map for Details

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Forewing: 52-60mm.
Flight: Aug-Oct. (pos May-Nov)
Foodplant:   Potato, Deadly Nightshade
GB Status: Immigrant
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3
 Immature Adult   [Show Flight Times]

Data Policy | Cookies Policy
  
Underlying maps using Digital Map Data © NOLA™ 2024. © Lepidoptera UK - Jim Wheeler - Norfolk Moths 2007 - 2024. Data © NOLA™ 2024
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