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

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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 Stanley J. Weyman

When I opened the door of the morning room the death's-head moth was beating its strong wings against the window.

From Famous Modern Ghost Stories by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers

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 Annie Roe Carr

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

From Jacob's Room by Virginia Woolf

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