Page 168 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

168 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

Death’s Head Hawkmoth

Of the 1200 or so known species of hawkmoths, the death’s head is probably

the most famous.Thanks to their strange ‘death’s head’ skull pattern, they have a
reputation as harbingers of death.Yet, what really makes these creepy-looking
creatures so strange is their remarkable life cycle.

Pupa
The pupa is the hard casing
that protects the insects as
they undergo their
transformation from
caterpillars to adult moths.

Key Facts ORDER Lepidoptera / FAMILY Sphingidae
GENUS & SPECIES Acherontia atropos

Weight Adults: 7g (0.2oz)
Length Adults: 4–5cm (1.6–2in)
Sexual maturity 1–2 months
Breeding season May–October

Number of eggs Up to 150
Egg to ault 4–6 months
Breeding interval Adults die after mating

Typical diet Caterpillars: nightshade plants
Adults: honey, sap and nectar
Lifespan Adults: 2–3 months

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.