Sphingidae: Sphinginae

06863 Small Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila porcellus, (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF1992 (ABH69.017)

ex Larva, Christophstal, May 2014
ex Larva, Christophstal, May 2014
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex Larva, Christophstal, May 2014
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 2012-2013
 2014
 2015
 2016-onwards
ex Larva, Christophstal, May 2014
ex Larva, Christophstal, May 2014
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Christophstal, August 2013
Christophstal, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Christophstal, August 2013
Christophstal, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell


General Information

This species is significantly smaller than the Elephant Hawk-moth and has yellow rather than green markings.

 

Pupates in leaf litter or loose soil.

Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 21-25mm.
Foodplant(s): bedstraws (Galium spp.)
Flying: One generation, May-July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Not endangered

Habitat

Grassland, heathland, vegetated shingle.

Regional Information

Recorded in 1 (0.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Baden-Württemberg.

Last recorded in September 2018

Recorded date range (Flying/Adult): 05 June to 18 July

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 05 September to 18 September

Similar Species
Christophstal, July 2014
Christophstal, July 2014
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Grey, brown, green, black, red
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5