Species: Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor)
Family: Sphinx moths (Sphingidae)
Category: Butterflies & Moths
Location: One Sighting
A. Butterflies & Moths
B. Sphinx moths (Sphingidae)
There are 9 resident hawk moths in the British Isles, and 9 others fly in as immigrants, but the early breeding stages are unable to survive a cold winter. This family includes our largest moths, which are called hawk moths because of their fast, agile flight.
C. Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor)
This strikingly-coloured, large moth - it's pink and pale brown - is named after its caterpillar's resemblance to an elephant's trunk. Its larvae prefer Rosebay Willowherb and bedstraws, both of which thrive in the Cemetery. It is common in Britain.
Until we see the moth itself, we must make do with this photograph of the caterpillar.
Images
Elephant Hawk-moth
This moth is named after its caterpillar's resemblance to an elephant's trunk.
The Elephant Hawk-moth's larvae prefer Rosebay Willowherb and bedstraws, both of which thrive in the Cemetery. It is common in Britain.
Until we see the moth itself, we must make do with this photograph of the caterpillar.
