death's-head moth

noun

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

death's-head moth

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of death's-head moth¹

First recorded in 1775–85