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Kent Moth Group

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Death's-head Hawk-moth

Acherontia atropos

Family: Sphingidae

RES: 69.005 B&F: 1973

Verification Grade (Adult):

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.

Flight Season: July to November

© Peter Maton

Quick Navigation:

Distribution in Kent

The map below shows the distribution of records of Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos) within Kent. Use the control below to show data for a certain time period. If you've got a dot to add, please submit your records to us. Click here for more information on how to submit data.

Filter by Time Period:AllPre-19501950 - 20002000 - 2022

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. Hover over the graph to see exact figures for each period of the year, and use the controls below to filter by VC and time span:

Filter by VC:AllVC15VC16

Filter by Time Period:AllPre-20002000 - 2022

Photo Gallery

Below is a gallery of Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos) images from Kent. If you would like to contribute any photographs, please email mothsinkent@gmail.com.

Reporting Rate

The graph below shows how the number of records submitted Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos) to the Kent database has varied since 1950. Hover over the graph to see exact figures for each year, and use the control below to filter by a certain VC.

Filter by VC:AllVC15VC16

External Links

More information about Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos) can be seen on the external pages listed below: