Death's-Head Hawkmoth

insects · Africa · nocturnal

Skull-shaped markings. These moths have a pattern on their thorax (the middle part of their body) that looks like a human skull, which is where they got their creepy name.

Nighttime flyers. Death's-head hawkmoths are nocturnal, meaning they're active at night when most other animals are sleeping.

Three species exist. There are actually three different species in the Acherontia genus: one from Africa and two from Asia, though the African one is the most famous.

Bold coloring. These large moths have brown bodies with yellow or orange markings that help them blend in with their surroundings in the dark.