Death's Head Hawkmoth

Death’s-head hawk moths are named after the distinctive skull shaped markings on their thorax.
Found in Europe and throughout Africa, this species of moth raids bee hives to feed on the honey and nectar within. By mimicking the scent of honey bee pheromones, they can pass through beehives safely without alerting the colony. They also have a thick cuticle that helps them withstand bee stings and a partial resistance to bee venom. 

When threatened this moth can emit a high pitch squeak by forcing air through their throat, or pharynx.

This Death's Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos) has been hand set by our expert entomologists in our studio and elegantly mounted in a museum quality deep box frame.

Frame: Satin finished acrylic

Mount: 300 GSM acid free card stock with a 2 mm bevelled edge matboard border

Display: Self standing frame or wall hanging bracket

Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 6cm

The picture shown is an example of the quality that you can expect to receive. Please be aware that, as these are natural products, they are subject to some variation. While no two insects are exactly alike, each of the specimens in our collection fall within the morphological perimeters for their species.

All of the insects in our collection are responsibly and ethically sourced through sustainable insect farming and commercial breeding.

This approach helps native communities generate a sustainable and equitable income, while providing an economic incentive to protect endangered habitats rather than environmentally destructive practices such as deforestation for logging and agriculture.