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

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 Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

The death's-head moth lay on the rug before the fire where I had left it.

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

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

We bent over it together, Lys clinging to me, and we saw that it was a death's-head moth drenched with rain.

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