deathshead

Deathshead is a compound term used in several unrelated contexts. It can refer to the Death's-head hawkmoth, the stylized skull emblem known as the Totenkopf, and a Marvel Comics character, among other uses. The death's-head hawkmoth comprises three species in the genus Acherontia: A. atropos, A. lachesis, and A.styx. They are named for a skull-shaped pattern on the thorax and are found across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The moths are nocturnal and feed on honey or nectar, and their striking markings have made them prominent in folklore and popular culture.

The term death's head or Totenkopf also refers to a skull insignia used by Germanic military units in the past and most famously by the SS during World War II. It has become a symbol associated with military history and, in modern usage, can be controversial or offensive in some contexts.

In comics, Death's Head is a Marvel Comics character, a robotic bounty hunter created by Simon Furman and Geoff Senior. He first appeared in Marvel UK titles in the late 1980s and has since appeared in various Marvel series and crossovers, including a related character Death's Head II introduced later.

The spelling deathshead or a one-word variant death'shead may appear in branding, fiction, or fan usage, with its meaning dependent on context. Overall, the term encompasses natural history, historical symbolism, and fictional media, reflecting its varied usage across cultures and genres.