Acherontia atropos, Death's Head Hawkmoth

The African Death's-head Hawkmoth is one of three species of Death's-heads. Its name comes from the skull-shaped pattern seen on the thorax. It is native to Africa, but is also found throughout Europe, where they feed by raiding honeybee hives. Death's-head Hawkmoths are able to produce a squeaking sound by rapidly forcing air through their pharynx. Some scientists think this may deter predators, as it is loud for a relatively small animal. Others suggest it mimics a queen bee's piping sound, which signals workers to stop moving, allowing the moth to access food with less resistance.