death's-head moth


noun

a European hawk moth, Acherontia atropos, having markings on the back of the thorax that resemble a human skull.

Origin of death's-head moth

First recorded in 1775–85

British Dictionary definitions for death's-head moth

death's-head moth

noun

a European hawk moth, Acherontia atropos, having markings resembling a human skull on its upper thorax