Sphingidae: Smerinthinae

69.003 (BF1981) Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR06824

 2010
 2011
 2012
 2013

General Information

This species has a greyish-brown body with brown and grey patched wings and an orange mark on the inside of the hindwing. It is one of the largest moths regularly visiting gardens, although the second generation tends to be smaller than the first.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 30-46mm.
Foodplant(s): poplars (Populus spp.), Aspen (Populus tremula), sallows (Salix spp.), willows (Salix spp.)
Flying: Two generations, May-early August and August-September
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Parks, gardens, woodland and riversides.

Regional Information

There are no records in the system yet in MyPlace.

Similar Species
Eyed Hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellata


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
With lumps, bumps or horn(s)
Colours:
Green, yellow, white, red
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5