Death's-Head hawk moth

Description:

Acherontia atropos is the most widely known of the three species of Death's-head Hawk moth. Acherontia species are notorious mainly for a vaguely skull-shaped pattern on the thorax.

Notes:

The largest hawk moth so far. Spotted very early one harmattan morning in an enclosed balcony, steadily beating its wings as if to generate some warmth for itself. It was far from reach and so using a long plank, I brought it inside where it could be properly observed. I was pleased by it's cooperation. (Proving elusive twice before, it evoked more mystery and somehow validated its reputation as a notorious moth). Death's-head hawk moth is always on the list of dramatic moths to be found. Its reported features are strong enough to efficiently drive one's curiosity. In this case, curiosity did not get anyone killed, cat or scientist :) This notable moth easily ranks as the heavyweight champion of the Sphingidae family. From closer observation, it is a lazy moth. It struggled to move and easily fell from edges of platforms after hanging only for a short while. Its sturdy abdomen is brightly marked, yellow on black. Fore wings are dark brown with slight yellow wavy lines and hind wings are yellow bordered by black wavy patterns. Putting aside any foreboding, I picked up Acherontia atropos letting it climb my hand. Tickly. Funny thoughts crept across my mind. Eek! I dropped it. The second time, it dropped by itself owing to its heavy weight. And yes, it squeaked. Like a mouse. I must have irritated it while getting it to move. No wrong ideas. No bad omen. It was only an animal sound. But it was weird! After photographs, Acherontia atropos was free to go. Nothing evil happened throughout the rest of that day, Monday the 14th. Only one funny dream before rising up. It was nothing. Just a dream :) *Death's-head hawk moth has been featured in several literary works and it is very likely to be the dark moth seen in the 2012 horror film The Possession.