Sphingidae: Smerinthinae

1980 (ABH69.002) Eyed Hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellata, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR06822

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
East Lulworth, Dorset
East Lulworth, Dorset
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
St Ives
St Ives
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, as full-fed larva on apple 5th Aug, 2013
Hemingford Grey, as full-fed larva on apple 5th Aug, 2013
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This is a spectacular species, with curving wing margins and large blue and black eye patches on the rear wings, which have pink bases. These eye spots can only be seen when the moth is disturbed, when it flashes them.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 36-44mm.
Foodplant(s): willows (Salix spp.), sallows (Salix spp.), Apple (Malus domestica), Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
Flying: One generation, early May-mid July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Gardens, orchards, parks, woodland and riversides.

Regional Information

Recorded in 82 (30.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2024

Recorded date range (Adult): 26 April to 31 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 16 June to 07 September

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi


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