This insect is easily identified by the vaguely human skull-shaped pattern of markings on the thorax.

Death's-Head Hawkmoth

This insect is easily identified by the vaguely human skull-shaped pattern of markings on the thorax.

"A species of Hawk-moth or lepidopterous insect of the family Sphingidae, not uncommon in some parts of England and of the continent of Europe, and very widely distributed over the world, being found in Africa, the Mauritius, and the East Indies. It measures almost five inches from tip to tip of the extended wings; is of a dark color, the body yellow with black markings, the thorax with pale markings which have some resemblance to a skull, and from which it derives its name." — Chambers, 1881

Death's Head Moth

"A species of Hawk-moth or lepidopterous insect of the family Sphingidae, not uncommon in some parts…

The Five-Spotted Hawkmoth (Manduca quinquemaculata) is a brown and gray hawk moth of the Sphingidae family. The caterpillar is often referred to as the tomato hornworm and can be a major pest in gardens. The tomato hornworm larva is a green caterpillar, with eight, v-shaped markings on its side and has a black horn on its rear just as other hornworms.

Tomato Worm

The Five-Spotted Hawkmoth (Manduca quinquemaculata) is a brown and gray hawk moth of the Sphingidae…