Oleander Hawk-moth

This immigrant species is not seen every year the UK and is usually seen at a light source. After dusk it can be seen feeding from tubular flowers, such as honeysuckle and tobacco.

Flight Season

Flies between August and October.

Size and Family

• Family: Hawk-moths (Sphingidae)
• Size: Large, 9-13cm wingspan

Particular Caterpillar Food Plants

Periwinkle (Vinca spp.) as well as oleander (Nerium oleander), but on the continent - the larva is very rarely found in Britain.

Distribution

• Countries –Sicily, Crete, Cyprus, northern Africa
• Widespread in the UK, although rare. Seen as far north as Scotland, although usually in south England, probably the offspring of moths that breed insouthern Europe in the summer.

Habitat

Usually coastal in the UK. Abroad breeds in very warm. open places, e.g. scrubland/hillsides.