News: August 2003

Reports of unusual moth sightings continue to surface as Britain enjoys one of its warmest summers in many years.

A very rare immigrant from North Africa, the death's-head hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos), is one of the largest moths to occur in Britain and is famous for the distinctive skull-like markings on its thorax. Just as striking are the caterpillars: these bright green creatures, which can measure up to six inches long and make a audible clicking noise with their mandibles when disturbed, have been turning in many parts of the country.

Even rarer and larger is the convolvulus hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli), the largest insect found in Britain. A specimen was recently taken to the Butterfly Farm in Warwickshire by a member of the public.

BBC. 2003. Horror film caterpillars found. Viewed on the web at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3169673.stm on August 25th 2003.