Dahl's Spurge Hawk-moth
Common NameDahl's Spurge Hawk-moth
Scientific NameHyles dahlii
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorsbrown, white, pink, black, blue-grey
HabitatDry, rocky areas, garrigue, maquis, coastal dunes, open woodlands
Geographic RangeMediterranean region (Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Balearic Islands, parts of North Africa)
Host PlantsEuphorbia characias, Euphorbia dendroides, Euphorbia pithyusa
Flight PeriodApril to June, August to October (bivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or black with yellow spots and a prominent horn, feeding on various spurge species. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon on the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific creamy-white diagonal stripe on the forewings and the extent of pink on the hindwings, along with its restricted Mediterranean distribution. The white stripe on the thorax is also a key feature.
Description
A medium-sized hawk-moth with mottled brown forewings featuring a prominent creamy-white diagonal stripe, and hindwings that are pinkish-red with a black base. Its robust body is brown with distinctive white and blue-grey lateral stripes.
