U.S. Department of Agriculture classifiers in Charleston, S. C., said that this is the first recorded interception of the Death’s Head Hawk moth in the United States. The moth is widely found throughout Africa, Madagascar and most of Europe.

Anyone who has seen the movie “Silence of the Lambs” already knows what a Death’s Head Hawk moth looks like with its skull-like pattern on the thorax. The Latin name came from Atropos, one of the three Fates, who is depicted with a veiled face and a pair of scissors to cut the thread of life that her sisters Klotho and Lakhesis spin and measure. This is another interpretation of the thoracic pattern of a mask with scissors below it.

Infestation feared
USDA headquarters ordered the pupae destroyed because a widespread infestation of these larvae could infect potatoes and cause agricultural and economic problems. The pupae then will be forwarded to USDA classifiers in Charleston for inclusion in their collection.

If the pupae had not been found and had matured, the six-inch larvae inside would have become a three- to five-inch moth that raids beehives for honey.

“The Port of Raleigh is extremely proud of the significant interception of the Death’s Head Hawk moth's pupae and for the CBP Officer’s referral of these entomological specimens,” said Port Director Joe Rachis. “This is a great example of CBP personnel working together in a unified process to increase CBP's ability to protect our borders and agriculture resources.” EC

Photo Credit: James Tourtellotte

Members of Agricultural Specialist Graduating Class 602 prepare to accept their diploma from Acting CBP Commissioner Deborah Spero during a ceremony held January 31 in Frederick, MD. "As a CBP Agriculture Specialist, you are out greatest resource in the protection of American agriculture," Spero told the 32 new officers.