Death's Head Hawk Moth Butterfly & Ivory Coast

& Ivory Coast

Papilio zalmoxis is a giant African butterfly in the family Papilionidae

The chief distinguishing characteristics of this genus are its impressive mandibles

They are commonly known as mother-of-pearls and are found in Africa

They also show extreme sexual size dimorphism

Death's Head Hawk Moth Butterfly & Ivory CoastAcherontia atropos is commonly found in southern parts of Europe and throughout much of Africa, from where it is considered to be a native species. In spite of negative superstitions attached to this hawkmoth, they're actually quite harmless and are only minor pests to beehives and crops. This specimen is encased in a 9"x9" frame.