Eyed Hawk-moth
Image: Maria Sibylla Merian (Public domain)
Common NameEyed Hawk-moth
Scientific NameSmerinthus ocellata
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, pink, blue, black
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, riverbanks, and other areas with suitable host plants.
Geographic RangeWidespread across the Palearctic region, including Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia.
Host Plantswillow (Salix), poplar (Populus), apple (Malus), ash (Fraxinus), lilac (Syringa)
Flight PeriodMay to July, sometimes a partial second brood in August/September in warmer areas.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. The large, green caterpillar has white diagonal stripes and a caudal horn. It pupates in an earthen cell underground, overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, the distinctive blue-ringed eyespots on the hindwings (often displayed when disturbed), and the cryptic, bark-like pattern of the forewings. The caterpillar is bright green with seven white diagonal stripes and a blue horn.
Description
A large, robust moth with cryptically patterned brown and grey forewings that conceal striking pink hindwings, each featuring a prominent blue and black eyespot when spread.
