Eyed Hawk-moth

The adults come to light, but do not feed. 

They overwinter as shiny black/brown pupae, below or near the larval foodplant. The caterpillars can be seen from June to September and resemble the Poplar Hawk-moth caterpillar, apart from the bluish-coloured spike at the rear.

Flight Season

Flies from May to July in one generation.

Size and Family

• Family - Hawk-moths (Sphingidae)
• Large Sized
• Wingspan Range - 70-80mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Sallows, Apple (Malus domestica), wild and ornamental Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris), less common on poplars and Aspen (Populus tremula).

Habitat

Gardens, orchards, woodland, suburban localities and places where willows grow e.g. parks, riversides, fens and scrub.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Ireland
• Common. Well distributed throughout England and Wales as far north as Cumbria, local on Isle of Man, widely distributed but occasional in Channel Isles.