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.

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 127 (47%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 16 May to 02 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 28 June to 10 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