Lime Hawk-moth

The wing shape, markings and pink and green colour are unlike those of any other Hawk-moth found in the UK. Adults can be seen between May and early July.

Often comes to light, but does not feed. Can be found at rest on walls, tree trunks and lime foliage.  The yellow-striped green caterpillar has a blue horn, but, when it is ready to pupate, its colour changes to a purplish-grey and it wanders around looking for a site to pupate in; this is when it is most often seen, crawling down Lime tree trunks, or on pavements (often squashed). Overwinters as a pupa on loose litter near the larval foodplant, though has also been found up in trees in loose litter in the crooks of branches.
 

Flight Season

Flies in May and June in one generation.

Size and Family

• Family - Hawkmoths (Sphingidae)
• Medium sized
• Wingspan Range - 46-78mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Lime (Tilia sp.), elms (Ulmus sp.), Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and Silver Birch (Betula pendula). In London, Plane (Platanus x hispanica) and cultivars of Cherry.

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland, urban areas, parks and gardens in lowland areas.

Distribution

• Countries: England, Wales
• Widely distributed and fairly frequent in England. Now extending northwards beyond Yorkshire, where it became established in the 1950s. Can be found in London in tree-lined avenues.