The
elephant hawk-moth is a pretty, gold-and-pink moth that can be seen at
dusk in gardens, parks, woods and grassy habitats. The caterpillars look
like elephant's trunks and have eyespots to scare off predators.
About
The
elephant hawk-moth is a medium-sized hawk-moth, on the wing from May to
early August and active at dusk. It is commonly found in parks and
gardens, as well as woodland edges, rough grassland and sand dunes. The
caterpillars are seen from July to September and are very
characteristic: greyish-green or brown, with two enormous, black
eyespots towards the head. When disturbed, they swell up to show these
spots and scare off predators. The caterpillars feed on willowherbs,
fuchsia and bedstraw, and the adults feed on nectar. The caterpillars
overwinter as chrysalides, hidden among low vegetation or in the soil.How to identify
The
striking elephant hawk-moth is mainly golden-olive with bright pink
bars on the wings and body. The similar small elephant hawk-moth is
smaller, yellower and less common; it is found in short grassland.Distribution
Widespread.Did you know?
The elephant hawk-moth is
so-called because the caterpillar looks a little like an elephant's
trunk. As protection from predators, it can make itself seem larger and
emphasise its eyespots.
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