Death’s Head hawkmoth

Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758)

Distribution: This Paleotropical species migrates north from Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, reaching as far as Central and Northern Europe and northeastern Kazakhstan. In Ukraine, it is a non-resident species that sporadically appears during migrations and establishes temporary colonies, primarily in the South.

Bionomics: These moths inhabit various biotopes during migrations, showing remarkable flight abilities. They appear in May and June from the south and return in August, flying until October. They feed on honey, tree sap, and flower nectar, occasionally penetrating beehives. When threatened, they emit a shrill sound. Females lay up to 200 eggs singly on the underside of leaves. Caterpillars, found on various plants, especially nightshades and olives, take about two months to develop. Pupation occurs in the soil, with adults emerging in the autumn or spring.

Abundance and Conservation: Common in the south, sporadic in the rest of Ukraine, depending on migration intensity. Given its non-resident status, specific conservation efforts are impractical.