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

It is comparable with the skull and crossbones on the back of the death's-head moth.

From Butterflies Worth Knowing by Weed, Clarence M.

When this picture was painted, the Oxford Movement was in the air; the shepherd and the shepherdess were alike busy with the death’s-head moth.

From Holman Hunt Masterpieces in Colour by Coleridge, Mary E.

He has found a death’s-head moth; he is too busy showing it to his companion to have any use for that.

From Holman Hunt Masterpieces in Colour by Coleridge, Mary E.

Nan was almost sure that this must be the famous death's-head moth she had read about in school; but she was not confident enough to say anything to old Toby Vanderwiller.

From Nan Sherwood at Pine Camp or, the Old Lumberman's Secret by Carr, Annie Roe