Bedstraw Hawkmoth
Common NameBedstraw Hawkmoth
Scientific NameHyles gallii
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsolive-brown, cream, black, red, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, heaths, gardens, coastal areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, Asia, North America)
Host Plantsbedstraw (Galium spp.), willowherb (Epilobium spp.), fuchsia
Flight PeriodMay to September (often two generations)
Flight Stylehovering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are large, typically green or black with yellow spots and a characteristic horn at the rear. Pupation occurs in a cocoon underground.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive creamy-buff stripe on the forewings and the bright red band on the hindwings. The abdomen has clear black and white banding. Often seen hovering like a hummingbird while feeding on nectar.
Description
A medium-sized hawkmoth with olive-brown forewings marked by a broad, creamy-buff stripe, and black hindwings featuring a prominent red band. Its stout body is distinctly banded with black and white.
