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Death's-head Hawk Moth

Acherontia atropos

Description:

A large hawk moth with a wingspan of 90–130 mm (about 3.5 to 5 inches). It has the ability to emit a loud squeak if irritated. The sound is produced by expelling air from its proboscis.

Habitat:

lake shore, scrub

Notes:

I spotted this near the shore of Lake Malawi.

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7 Comments

maplemoth662
maplemoth662 6 years ago

A beautiful caterpillar....

Dan Doucette
Dan Doucette 8 years ago

Thanks Craig, that looks like it.

craigwilliams
craigwilliams 8 years ago

My money would be on Acherontia Dan

Dan Doucette
Dan Doucette 8 years ago

Thanks for the input PhotoginTN but they aren't found in Africa.

PhotoginTN
PhotoginTN 8 years ago

It looks like a tobacco hornworm, but I'm not sure if those are found in Malawi.

Dan Doucette
Dan Doucette 8 years ago

Thanks Dr.!

DrNamgyalT.Sherpa
DrNamgyalT.Sherpa 8 years ago

Dan, wow!

Dan Doucette
Spotted by
Dan Doucette

Mangochi, Malawi

Spotted on Jan 10, 2015
Submitted on Aug 22, 2015

Related Spottings

Death's-head Hawk moth caterpillar Death's Head Hawk Moth Caterpillar Acherontia atropos Death's-head Hawkmoth

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Reference

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