A MONSTER specimen of a moth was discovered by staff at the Dorset Echo headquarters on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth.

The death's head hawk moth, so-called because of the sinister skull-like pattern on its thorax, was found by Howard Hobson, who works on the reel stands in the print centre.

Mr Hobson, who has nicknamed the creature Fred, said: "I found it lying dead outside the emergency exit and I thought 'that is one great big moth'.

"It would be a shame to throw it away, and I thought somebody somewhere might want it for their collection."

Death's head hawk moths, or acherontia atropos, are traditionally considered to be a harbinger of danger.

They have the alarming habit of squeaking loudly when handled or disturbed, using their curled-up proboscis.

Native to Africa and the Mediterranean, they migrate to Britain, where they are the largest moths found.

Moth expert at Butterfly Conservation in East Lulworth, Mark Parsons, said: "It is a fabulous beast. There have been a few sightings this year - Weymouth and Portland are good spots."

Mr Parsons said the moth probably died after reaching the end of its natural lifespan, which is only two to three weeks.