death's-head moth

American  

noun

1. a European hawk moth, Acherontia atropos, having markings on the back of the thorax that resemble a human skull.

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death's-head moth British  

noun

1. a European hawk moth, Acherontia atropos, having markings resembling a human skull on its upper thorax

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Etymology

Origin of death's-head moth

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

death's-head moth

The brush of a death's-head moth against a cold black screen.

From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury

And you won't do that by dressing yourself like a dingy death's-head moth!

From Chippinge Borough by Weyman, Stanley J.

Nan was almost sure that this must be the famous death's-head moth she had read about in school; but she was not confident enough to say anything to old Toby Vanderwiller.

From Nan Sherwood at Pine Camp or, the Old Lumberman's Secret by Carr, Annie Roe

Mr. Mangel, the school principal, had written Nan and encouraged her to send a full description of some of Corson Vanderwiller's collection, especially of the wonderful death's-head moth, to a wealthy collector in Chicago.

From Nan Sherwood at Pine Camp or, the Old Lumberman's Secret by Carr, Annie Roe

It is comparable with the skull and crossbones on the back of the death's-head moth.

From Butterflies Worth Knowing by Weed, Clarence M.