INSECTS

LEPIDOPTERA / SPHINGIDAE [69]

Hawk-moths belong to the Family Sphingidae. They are distinctly coloured and the family includes the largest moths found in the United Kingdom. They are called Hawk-moths because of their fast manoeuvrable flight. When at rest they usually hold the wings close to the body.

69.003 Poplar Hawk-moth has a wingspan measuring up to 9cm making it one of the largest moth species seen locally. Adults fly in daytime from May to July and are sometimes drawn to light at night. Its larvae feed on Poplar, Aspen and Sallow.

69.006 Privet Hawk-moth Sphinx ligustri has a wingspan up to 12cm making it the largest British resident hawk-moth. It flies in June and July. The huge green caterpillars usually seen in July and August feed on Privet, Ash, Lilac and Guelder-rose.

69.010 Hummingbird Hawk-moth is a migrant species sometimes seen feeding at flower-heads in sunshine. Foodplants include Bedstraws and Wild Madder, but the larvae are rarely found in Britain.

69.016 Elephant Hawk-moth flies from May to August. The common name is a reference to its large caterpillars that are shaped like an elephant's trunk. They grow up to 70mm long and have two large eye spots. The caterpillars hide among leaves during the day and feed at night. Larval foodplants include Willowherbs, Bedstraws and Fuschia.