Lime Hawk-moth (Mimas tiliae, (Linnaeus, 1758))

Sphingidae: Smerinthinae

1979 (ABH69.001) Lime Hawk-moth Mimas tiliae, (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

Hemingford Grey

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Earith

Photo © David Griffiths

Hemingford Grey, May 2007. Male.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey, as pupa in garden, 04-2023. 1 of 2.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey, as pupa in garden, 04.2023. 2 of 2.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey, April 2007

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Cambridge, June 2007

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Lime Hawk-moth ab. brunnea

Photo © Barry Dickerson

ex larva Aug 2021, Hemingford Grey, emerged May 2022.. Female.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey

General Information
This species is normally green, but there is a red-brown form with brick-red central markings (f. brunnea).

Pupates in 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: 23-39mm.
Foodplant(s): lime (Tilia spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), birches (Betula spp.), Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
Flying: One generation, May-early July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, parks and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 87 (32.2%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 07 April to 15 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 14 July to 20 September

Recorded date range (Pupa): 30 March to 07 April

Larva/Leafmine:

Larva Type:

With lumps, bumps or horn(s)

Colours:

Green, yellow, blue, purple, white

No. of Proleg Pairs:

1979 (ABH69.001) Lime Hawk-moth Mimas tiliae, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR06819