Seathorn Hawkmoth
Common NameSeathorn Hawkmoth
Scientific NameHyles hippophaes
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, pink, black, white
HabitatDry, warm, open habitats, river valleys, scrubland, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, Central Asia, parts of the Middle East, extending to China
Host PlantsSea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), Elaeagnus spp.
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green or brown with yellow spots and a prominent horn, feeding on Sea-buckthorn. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the olive-brown forewings with a distinct pale stripe and the bright pink hindwings with a large black basal area. The robust, olive-brown body often has white lateral stripes.
Description
A medium-sized hawkmoth with olive-brown forewings featuring a prominent pale, creamy-white stripe, and bright pink hindwings with a broad black basal patch.
