Apple Hawkmoth
Common NameApple Hawkmoth
Scientific NameLaothoe populi
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)85
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, pinkish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, hedgerows, riverbanks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantspoplar, willow, aspen, sallow, birch, alder, apple, plum, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe large green caterpillar feeds on various trees and shrubs, then pupates in a chamber underground, overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the large size, the mottled brown and grey forewings with their scalloped edges, and the characteristic resting posture where the hindwings often protrude slightly beyond the forewings, sometimes revealing a reddish patch.
Description
A large, robust hawkmoth with cryptic brown and grey forewings featuring wavy, mottled patterns and a distinctive scalloped outer margin. The body is stout and hairy, matching the forewing coloration.
