MOTHS

POPLAR HAWKMOTH:

The Latin name for this moth is Laothoe populi.

Hawkmoths are amongst the largest moths in the world. They include some 1000 species, most of them native to the tropics. Only about 20 species live in Europe. The Poplar Hawkmoth is distributed throughout all of Europe and Asia. It is found chiefly in lowland districts, but may also be present in mountains. 

The Poplar Hawkmoth is a large, well-camouflaged moth with a wingspan of 7-9cm. The male and female are very similar, with marbled brownish-grey wings, occasionally pinkish, with orange-red patches at the base of the hindwings. 

The caterpillars are large and impressive, with a length of up to 6cm. They are green with diagonal stripes and a spike on the 8th segment. The caterpillar lives on poplar and willow trees.