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

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

From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury

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

He did not know; but his cousin the death's-head moth, asleep under a magnolia leaf, looked down with a grim smile on his quaint face.

From Bimbi by Ouida

"And yet you two hulking men are afraid of a death's-head moth."

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

What should an old death's-head moth know, whose eyes were so weak that a farthing rushlight blinded them?

From Bimbi by Ouida