Death’s Head Moth
The Death’s Head Hawkmoth, Acherontia atropos, sports a skull-like design on its body. This fact has lent it a certain macabre reputation. There is also the fact that all of its scientific names relate to death. There are three very similar moth species of the genus Acherontia: atropos, lachesis and styx. The species names are from Greek mythology and refer to the three fates. The genus name, Acherontia, is derived from Acheron, a branch of the river Styx. This moth has also caused much superstitious fear due to the loud squeak it produces when annoyed.
Description
The Death’s Head Hawkmoth, Acherontia atropos, sports a skull-like design on its body. This fact has lent it a certain macabre reputation. There is also the fact that all of its scientific names relate to death. There are three very similar moth species of the genus Acherontia: atropos, lachesis and styx. The species names are from Greek mythology and refer to the three fates. The genus name, Acherontia, is derived from Acheron, a branch of the river Styx. This moth has also caused much superstitious fear due to the loud squeak it produces when annoyed.
