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.

---

death's-head moth British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of death's-head moth

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

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

From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury

When this picture was painted, the Oxford Movement was in the air; the shepherd and the shepherdess were alike busy with the death’s-head moth.

From Holman Hunt Masterpieces in Colour by Coleridge, Mary E.

Rebecca had caught the death's-head moth in the kitchen.

From Jacob's Room by Woolf, Virginia

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

From Chippinge Borough by Weyman, Stanley J.

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.