Aspen Hawkmoth
Common NameAspen Hawkmoth
Scientific NameLaothoe amurensis
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, reddish-brown
HabitatBoreal forests, mixed woodlands, riverine forests, aspen groves
Geographic RangeNorthern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Mongolia, China, Korea, Japan
Host PlantsPopulus tremula, Populus nigra, Salix spp.
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with white stripes and a caudal horn. Pupation occurs in an underground chamber, where the moth overwinters.
Identification TipsLook for its mottled grey-brown forewings with distinct venation and a relatively straight outer margin. The hindwings, often partially obscured, typically show a reddish-brown patch.
Description
A large, robust hawkmoth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring prominent darker veins and lighter streaks, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
