Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar
It great to see neighbouring parishes interest taking an interest in and contributing information to this Biodiversity Section of our website. While its not seasonal, we like to share information as we receive it.
These photos of Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar were taken by Richard in Mount Plunkett Lecarrow in August. Amazing images!
No more than the Goat Moth caterpillar, (which we have already posted), the Hawk Moth caterpillar, is a sight to behold if you are lucky enough to spot it.
So here is the result of our basic research on the Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar
Scientific: Name Deilephila elpenor
Family: Sphingidae
Distribution :Widespread and commonIreland England, Wales, southern and western Scotland and beyond.
Habitat: Gardens, waste ground and woodland clearings.
The preferred food plants of the caterpillar are Willowherb(already posted) and Bedstraw which we know are abundant in Kilteevan. The caterpillars can generally be seen from July to September, when they pupate.
The caterpillars can be green but are more frequently brown with a net or snake like pattern along the body as well as the four large 'eye' like patches at the head end. They have a backward curving spine or "horn" on the final abdominal segment.
The caterpillars has a trunk-like section just behind the head, hence the name “Elephant.” This trunk like section can be extended or retracted as a defensive tactic.
When threatened this section is drawn in towards its body. This shields the head from danger and has the added advantage of inflating its body, making the four eye markings look much larger.
Caterpillars are preyed upon by birds, but can shy away from caterpillars "snake"like posturing.
When fully grown the caterpillar moves down to the ground to pupate. It remains in this state until the following spring when it emerges as an adult moth.
Adult
The Elephant Hawk moth is spectacularly coloured, seeming to shimmer with green and red when in motion. It has a wingspan of approximately 70mm.
To the inexperienced eye it looks like "pink butterfly"
The imago (adult) feeds at night, and often takes and often takes nectar from plants like honeysuckles and petunias.
The life span of the adult moth is up to 5 weeks and they are generally seen from May to July.
This species possesses good night or scotopic vision and can discriminate colours very well. Adult moths are eaten by some species of bats.