MOTHS

EYED HAWKMOTH:

The Latin name for this moth is Smerinthus ocellata.

The Eyed Hawkmoth is distributed in Europe and western Asia, where it inhabits riparian forests and shoreline vegetation. It may also be found in city parks, orchards and vineyards.

This is a large moth with a wingspan of 7-9cm. The uppersides of the forewings are marbled brown. The underwings are orange-pink with striking blue and grey eyes. 

The caterpillar is large and green with diagonal stripes. One feature that distinguishes it from caterpillars of other species is the blue horn on the hind end. It feeds on the leaves of the apple and the sallow tree, usually upside down.