Sphingidae: Smerinthinae

1981 (ABH69.003) Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR06824

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Buff form
Buff form
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hillesden, Bucks, May 2008
Hillesden, Bucks, May 2008
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 2010 (female)
Hemingford Grey, 2010 (female)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, May 2013. Threatening display.
Hemingford Grey, May 2013. Threatening display.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey. 25-05-2020. Light trap. Male.
Hemingford Grey. 25-05-2020. Light trap. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Early instar, Paxton Pits
Early instar, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Early instar, Paxton Pits
Early instar, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. Paxton Pits
ex. Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Cambridge
Cambridge
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cambridge
Cambridge
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cambridge
Cambridge
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cambridge
Cambridge
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex. Paxton Pits
ex. Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. Paxton Pits
ex. Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Head Detail, ex. Paxton Pits
Head Detail, ex. Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Anal Detail, ex. Paxton Pits
Anal Detail, ex. Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hemingford Grey, as larva on Aspen, Sept 2012.
Hemingford Grey, as larva on Aspen, Sept 2012.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, as larva on Aspen, Sept 2012.
Hemingford Grey, as larva on Aspen, Sept 2012.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


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

Recorded in 139 (51.5%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 12 April to 12 October

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 05 July to 09 October

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
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