Acherontia Collection

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

Nature Insect Insects Butterfly Butterflies Moth
nature, insect, insects, butterfly, butterflies, moth, moths, wing, wings, markings, 1898, 1890s, late, victorian, branch, branches, plant, plants, illustration, sphingidae, acherontia, atropos

Death s-head Hawk moth (Acherontia atropos), insect animals antique illustration

Deaths Head hawk moth, Acherontia atropos. Handcoloured steel engraving from Georg Friedrich Treitschkes Gallery of Natural History, Naturhistorischer Bildersaal des Thierreiches, Liepzig, 1842

Deaths head hawkmoth, six-spot burnet
Deaths head hawkmoth, Acherontia atropos, six-spot burnet, Zygaena filipendulae, and nine-spotted moth, Amata phegea. Handcolored engraving by Fournier after an illustration by Blanchard from Charles

African deaths head hawkmoth and oleander hawk-moth
African deaths head hawkmoth and larva, Acherontia atropos 1, 2, and oleander hawk-moth, Daphnis nerii 3. Sphinx tete de mort, chenille, Sphinx du laurier-rose

Deaths head hawkmoth, Acherontia atropos, moth, caterpillar and pupa (Jasmine sphinx, Sphinx atropos). Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder

Deaths Head hawkmoth and oak hawkmoth
Deaths Head hawkmoth, Acherontia atropos, and oak hawkmoth, Marumba quercus. Handcoloured steel engraving by the Pauquet brothers after an illustration by Alexis Nicolas Noel from Hippolyte Lucas

Deaths head hawkmoth, digger wasps, ball lichen
Ball lichen, Sphaerophorus globulus 1, Dynamene crustacean 2, digger wasps, Sphex species 3, 4, and African deaths head hawkmoth, Acherontia atropos, and caterplillar 5

Deaths head and eyed hawk-moths
Deaths head hawk-moth, Acherontia atropos 1, and eyed hawk-moth, Smerinthus ocellatus 2, moth, caterpillar and pupa. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuchs Bilderbuch fur

Curtis British Entomology Plate 147
Lepidoptera: Acherontia atropos (Death?s-head Hawk) Date: 1824-39

Having breakfast
Jimmy Hoffman

Sphinx
Jimmy Hoffman

Acherontia atropos, deaths head hawkmoth
Illustration from Familiar British Insects (1887) by Theo Johnson

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Acherontia, also known as the death's-head hawk-moth, is a fascinating creature that captivates nature enthusiasts with its unique appearance and mysterious behavior. This moth species, scientifically named Acherontia atropos, belongs to the family of Sphingidae and can be found in various parts of the world. The death's-head hawk-moth gets its name from the skull-like pattern on its thorax, resembling a human skull. Its striking appearance has earned it a place in folklore and superstitions throughout history. These nocturnal insects are known for their large size and impressive wingspan, making them an awe-inspiring sight to behold. In antique illustrations such as those found in Curtis British Entomology Plate 147, one can appreciate the intricate details of this insect's anatomy. The illustration showcases the beauty of nature through these delicate creatures fluttering amidst colorful flowers. Interestingly enough, Acherontia atropos has developed some peculiar survival tactics over time. It mimics bees or wasps by producing high-frequency sounds while feeding on nectar during breakfast time. This clever disguise helps protect it from potential predators who might mistake it for something more dangerous. This moth species interacts with other insects too; they have been spotted alongside digger wasps and ball lichen in their natural habitats. Additionally, they share similarities with other moths like oak hawkmoths and eyed hawk-moths when it comes to physical characteristics or behavioral patterns. Amongst all these variations within the Acherontia genus lies another intriguing member: the African deaths head hawkmoth and oleander hawk-moth combination. This hybridization adds even more diversity to an already captivating group of insects. As we explore nature's wonders further, we discover how interconnected everything truly is – from butterflies to moths like six-spot burnets or even oak hawkmoths – each playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.