For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Poplar Hawk-moths
Identify It > Moth Section > Poplar Hawk-moths >
Scientific name: Laothoe populi
Size: Wingspan from 70mm to 90mm
Distribution: Found throughout the UK.
Months seen: May to August
Habitat: Gardens, parks and woodland
Food: The adults do not feed, but the caterpillars feed on willows, aspen, sallow and poplars (hence the name)
Special features: Poplar hawkmoths can vary in colour from grey to pinky-brown. They look abit unusual because the hind wings stick out in front of the forewings when at rest. This is because the moth has no 'frenulum', which is a kind of hook for holding the wings in position.
When disturbed Poplar hawk-moths will flash two bright orange patches on their hindwings. The patches are hidden when the moth is resting.
The caterpillars of the Poplar hawkmothss are bright green with a yellow horn on the rear end, and diagonal yellow stripes along the sides of the body.
These moths are attracted to light at night.
Sightings
2015 - Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire - Judy Fairbanks (photo)
2015 - Rushden, Northampton - Dawn Johnson (photo)
2015 - Sinfin, Derbyshire - Greg Waite (photo)
2017 - Stourport On Severn, Worcestershire - Caroline Wood (photo)
2017 - Findochty, Moray - Phil Jerome (photo)
2017 - Kempsey, Worcestershire - Robert Gillespie (photo)
2018 - Boyden Gate, Kent - Glynn Crocker (photo)
2020 - Fraserburgh,Aberdeenshire - Rhona Tait (photo)
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