Death's-head Hawk-moth
B&F 1973 RES 69.005
DistributionPhenologyReporting RatePhotos
A much sought after migrant species which could be trapped (or more likely found) anywhere in Kent. However, as with all migrant (you know what I mean - moths that get displaced on the wind and airflow rather than performing annual migration like birds) species, this moth is most likely to be encountered along the coast ,with historic trends building up around Dungeness, Sandwich and Ramsgate. This is however probably more down to regular traps being run than a specific arrival location on the coast. This scarce migrant is also often found by non-mothing folk such as horticulturists and apiarists.
he larvae feed primarily on potato whilst the adult will often enter beehives to feed on the honey without being stung by the bees. This species can be found as an adult any time from July to November.
Grade 1 — adults are generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species, but records outside documented range or flight period may require photos.
Distribution Map
The map below shows all records of Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos) in the Kent database. If you've got a dot to add, please submit your records to us. Use the control below to filter by time span:
Phenology
The graph below shows at which time of the year Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos) can be expected to be recorded in Kent. Use the controls below to filter by VC and time span:
Reporting Rate
The graph below shows how the number of records of Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos) submitted each year has changed over time. Use the control below to filter by VC:
Photo Gallery
Below is a selection of Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos) images from Kent. If you would like to contribute any photographs, please email mothsinkent@gmail.com. Click on a photo if you would like to see it larger.
External Links
For more information and images of Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos), please take can be seen on the external pages listed below: