Hyles euphorbiae euphorbiae, Spurge Hawkmoth larva
Hyles euphorbiae euphorbiae (L.), (Sphingidae)
Common name: Spurge Hawkmoth
Major hostplants: Herbaceous species of Euphorbia, especially E. paralias, E. cyparissias and in southern Europe, E. characias.
Larva in this photograph is feeding on Euphorbia paralias. If disturbed, a thick stream of dark green fluid is ejected from the mouth towards the attacker.
Taxonomic note: Within the Hyles genus there is a complex of species, subspecies and forms, all closely related to Hyles euphorbiae and all of which are highly polymorphic with an amazing variety of colour forms, some geographic in nature, others environmental. The Hyles euphorbiae complex is rather difficult to classify for it would seem to be in the process of diverging into a number of species.
Visit: tpittaway.tripod.com/sphinx/h_eup.htm for full details about this species.
May 24, 2008 Elaphonisi islet (9)
Hyles euphorbiae euphorbiae, Spurge Hawkmoth larva
Hyles euphorbiae euphorbiae (L.), (Sphingidae)
Common name: Spurge Hawkmoth
Major hostplants: Herbaceous species of Euphorbia, especially E. paralias, E. cyparissias and in southern Europe, E. characias.
Larva in this photograph is feeding on Euphorbia paralias. If disturbed, a thick stream of dark green fluid is ejected from the mouth towards the attacker.
Taxonomic note: Within the Hyles genus there is a complex of species, subspecies and forms, all closely related to Hyles euphorbiae and all of which are highly polymorphic with an amazing variety of colour forms, some geographic in nature, others environmental. The Hyles euphorbiae complex is rather difficult to classify for it would seem to be in the process of diverging into a number of species.
Visit: tpittaway.tripod.com/sphinx/h_eup.htm for full details about this species.
May 24, 2008 Elaphonisi islet (9)