Blinded Hawkmoth
Common NameBlinded Hawkmoth
Scientific NameSmerinthus caecus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, reddish-pink, black, blue
HabitatWoodlands, forests, riverine habitats, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Siberia, Mongolia, China, Korea, Japan
Host Plantswillow, poplar, birch, alder
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green with white diagonal stripes and a prominent horn at the rear. They feed on host plant leaves before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the 'blinded' or 'eyeless' hindwing spot, which is a dark blue-black patch without a central pupil, unlike the Eyed Hawkmoth (Smerinthus ocellata). The forewings have a more muted, cryptic pattern.
Description
A medium-sized hawkmoth with mottled brown and grey forewings, often with darker bands. The hindwings are reddish-pink with a distinctive dark blue-black eyespot that lacks a central pupil.
