Sphingidae: Smerinthinae

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

KR06819

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, May 2007. Male.
Hemingford Grey, May 2007. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, as pupa in garden, 04-2023. 1 of 2.
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.
Hemingford Grey, as pupa in garden, 04.2023. 2 of 2.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, April 2007
Hemingford Grey, April 2007
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cambridge, June 2007
Cambridge, June 2007
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Lime Hawk-moth ab. brunnea
Lime Hawk-moth ab. brunnea
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
ex larva Aug 2021, Hemingford Grey, emerged May 2022.. Female.
ex larva Aug 2021, Hemingford Grey, emerged May 2022.. Female.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


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 May 2024

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 03 June



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