Oriental Eyed Hawkmoth
Common NameOriental Eyed Hawkmoth
Scientific NameSmerinthus planus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySmerinthinae
Wingspan (mm)85
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatForests, woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEast Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Russian Far East)
Host PlantsSalix, Populus, Prunus, Malus, Betula, Ulmus, Tilia
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with white diagonal stripes and a caudal horn, feeding until pupation in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive cryptic brown and grey forewing pattern with wavy lines and a prominent white diagonal mark. When disturbed, it reveals bright red hindwings with a large blue and black eyespot, which is the origin of its 'eyed' name.
Description
A medium-sized hawkmoth with mottled brown and grey forewings displaying intricate wavy bands and a prominent white diagonal streak. Its robust body is similarly colored, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
