Friday, 18 June 2021

POPLAR HAWKMOTH


This is the most widespread and frequent hawkmoth in Britain so you may well meet one.

It's usually this grey-brown colour but can be orangey-buff.  The distinctive feature is the way the hindwings protrude from the forewings when the moth is at rest. If it is disturbed it will flash a bright red-brown patch on the underwings.
Also there is the white mark on the forewings to help you identify it.

Photo: Sarah Watkins

The bright green caterpillars feed on many species of poplar and willow.  They pupate underground through the winter and the adult moths emerge in May-July but do not feed at all !






 

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