This resident moth flashes reddish-brown patches on underwings if disturbed. The wings can sometimes have a pinkish/purplish tinge. Adult does not feed.
Female comes to light before midnight, the male after midnight, in greater numbers. Rests with abdomen curved up and hindwings further forward than the forewings. Larvae can be found between June to early October.
Flight Season
Flies from May to July in one generation but a partial second can occur in the south between August and September.
Size and Family
- Family: Hawk-moths (Sphingidae)
- Size: Large, wingspan 6.5-9cm
Caterpillar Food Plants
Caterpillars feed on Poplars (Populus), Aspen (P. tremula), White Poplar, Black-poplar, Lombardy-poplar, sallows and willows, especially Goat and Grey Willows.
Habitat
Low heathland and moorland, fens, woodland, parks and gardens.
Distribution
- Countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales.
- Widely distributed, common wherever foodplant occurs.

Poplar Hawk-moth - Iain Leach
Poplar Hawk-moth
Iain Leach

Poplar Hawk-moth - Iain Leach
Poplar Hawk-moth
Iain Leach

Poplar Hawk-moth - Ryszard Szczygieł
Poplar Hawk-moth
Ryszard Szczygieł

Poplar Hawk-moth - Ryszard Szczygieł
Poplar Hawk-moth
Ryszard Szczygieł

Poplar Hawk-moth - John Murray
Poplar Hawk-moth
John Murray

Poplar Hawk-moth - Koen Thonissen
Poplar Hawk-moth
Koen Thonissen

Poplar Hawk-moth - Koen Thonissen
Poplar Hawk-moth
Koen Thonissen

Poplar Hawk-moth (female & male) - James O'Neill
Poplar Hawk-moth (male & female)
Poplar Hawk-moth (female & male) - James O'Neill

Poplar Hawk-moth

Poplar Hawk-moth (caterpillar) - Bob Eade
Poplar Hawk-moth (caterpillar)
Bob Eade