Small Elephant Hawk-moth
Small Elephant Hawk-moth - Deilephila porcellus
Description
Wingspan 40 to 45 mm. Slightly smaller but even more brightly-coloured than its cousin the Elephant Hawk-moth (D. elpenor).
Identification difficulty
Habitat
It prefers chalky districts and dry grassy localities but is found in a range of habitats.
When to see it
May to July.
Life History
The larvae, which are similar to those of D. elpenor, feed mostly on Bedstraw.
UK Status
Locally distributed but occurs widely in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
VC55 Status
Generally common in VC55.
Reference
69.017 BF1992
Mark Skevington
Charnwood Lodge
31 May 2002
Graham Calow
Sapcote, Harecroft Crescent
02 June 2020
Rod Baker
Wigston
08 July 2013
Kate Nightingale
Charnwood Lodge
12 August 2013
larva
Andy's Rutland
Empingham garden
23 May 2019
Barbara Cooper
Long Clawson
31 May 2017
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