Elephant Hawk Moth (deilephila elpenor)
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Like a lot of other species, this spectacularly pink and olive-green moth, has an exceptionally wide range. It is found throughtout Europe and temperate Asia, extending as far as China and Japan.
It gets its name from the extension from the caterpillar's head, which resembles an elephant's truck. When threatened, the extension is retracted and the front end of the caterpillar swells up in such a way, it resembles a snake's head with eyes.
The caterpillars are seen between July and September and feed mainly on rosebay willowherb, and after pupating, overwinter beneath the soil or in plant litter.
The adults emerge from May onwards and can be seen on the wing until July. They are very streamline and have a wingspan of between 5-8cm. When in flight, they seem to shimmer with green and red. At dusk they can often be seen feeding on honeysuckle, and even petunias.
Elephant Hawk Moth (deilephila elpenor)
MANY THANKS FOR YOUR KIND COMMENTS AND FAVS........ PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY PHOTOSTREAM, FOR GENERAL PHOTOS OF NATURE ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF WILDLIFE.
Like a lot of other species, this spectacularly pink and olive-green moth, has an exceptionally wide range. It is found throughtout Europe and temperate Asia, extending as far as China and Japan.
It gets its name from the extension from the caterpillar's head, which resembles an elephant's truck. When threatened, the extension is retracted and the front end of the caterpillar swells up in such a way, it resembles a snake's head with eyes.
The caterpillars are seen between July and September and feed mainly on rosebay willowherb, and after pupating, overwinter beneath the soil or in plant litter.
The adults emerge from May onwards and can be seen on the wing until July. They are very streamline and have a wingspan of between 5-8cm. When in flight, they seem to shimmer with green and red. At dusk they can often be seen feeding on honeysuckle, and even petunias.