The Moths and Butterflies of Huntingdonshire

Sphingidae: Macroglossinae

1991 (ABH69.016) Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor, (Linnaeus, 1758)

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

pre-2000

2000-2009

2010-2019

2020-onwards

Earith

Photo © David Griffiths

Hemingford Grey

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Earith

Photo © David Griffiths

Hillesden, Bucks., June 2008

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey, 3rd June 2020, Light trap.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey, 3rd June 2020, Light trap.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Monks Wood

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Monks Wood

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey, 5th Aug. 2020. Final instar at night.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey 2013. Female.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

General Information

This species has bright pink wings and body with tinges of olive green and brown.

Pupates in leaf litter or loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 28-33mm.
Foodplant(s): Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), willowherbs (Epilobium spp.), bedstraws (Galium spp.)
Flying: One generation, May-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Grassland, hedgerows, ditches, woodland rides and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 123 (45.6%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2020

Recorded date range (Adult): 16 May to 25 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 28 June to 08 September

Similar Species

Great Staughton

Small Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila porcellus

Larva/Leafmine:

Larva Type:

With lumps, bumps or horn(s)

Colours:

Green, brown, grey, black, purple

No. of Proleg Pairs:

1991 (ABH69.016) Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR06862