death's-head hawk moth

noun

: a large dark hawk moth (Acherontia atropos) especially of Mediterranean regions with markings resembling a human skull on the back of the thorax

called also death's-head moth

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of death's-head hawk moth was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near death's-head hawk moth

Cite this Entry

“Death's-head hawk moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/death%27s-head%20hawk%20moth. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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