Acherontia atropos
The African Death’s-head Hawkmoth, characterised by the superficially skull-like marking on its thorax from which it gets its name, is a large moth with a wingspan of about 13cm and capable of powerful flight. Adults have the amazing ability to produce a squeaking sound through their proboscis, which it is thought soothes honey bees into passivity when the moth raids a hive for the honey on which this species feeds. The larvae subsist on the leaves of plants in the nightshade family, including tomatoes, potatoes and cannabis, and is considered a minor agricultural pest. They pupate in chambers they excavate underground.
The African Deaths-head Hawkmoth is found all over South Africa and is nocturnal in habit.
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
African death’s-head hawkmoth
DeWetsWild 
What a cool moth!
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I think so too!
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Die detail op hierdie motte verstom my, DeWet!
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Ek stem heelhartig met jou saam, Una! Dis ongelooflik!
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Dis werklik n besonderse diertjie hierdie, Una
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What a name! But it is very appropriate for this unusual moth!
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It is a quite appropriate name indeed, Hien
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