Regional Species


Death's-head Hawk-moth
Acherontia atropos

Photograph by Tristan Bantock (South Wales)

Photograph by Dr Dave Shaw

Regional Species

This large and somewhat sinister looking moth is a rare visitor to North Wales and is one of the few species likely to attract the attention of the general public. The spectacular larvae feed on potatoes and are occasionally found in gardens. In 2003 larvae were found on a University of Wales, Bangor trial potato plot. A photograph of one of these larvae is shown opposite.