Larva of the Death's-head hawk moth Acherontia atropos

Photo of the larva of the Death's-head hawk moth Acherontia atropos. The newly-hatched larva show lighter coloration, but darkens with feeding. In the final instar may adopt one of three color morphs: green, brown, or yellow. The larvae do not move much, and will click their mandibles or even bite if threatened, though the bite is effectively harmless to the human skin. The larva grows to about 120–130 mm, and pupates in an underground chamber.