Whos keeping an eye on me....

Friday 12 June 2015

Eyed Hawk-moth

A lovely new species for the garden with this Eyed Hawk-Moth

Smerinthus ocellata
Wingspan 70-80 mm.

Fairly well distributed throughout England and Wales, this species has a sombre, camouflaged appearance at rest, but if disturbed can flash the hindwings, which are decorated with intense blue and black 'eyes' on a pinkish background.

The adults fly from May to July, inhabiting woodland and suburban localities.

 They feed on sallow (Salix), apple (Malus) and several other trees.





3 comments:

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

Lovely moth, although heaven forbid I've barely seen one bigger than a fingernail this year! Been too chilly.

Adam Jones said...

How far away do you live Dave? Some real crackers you manage to get.

Dave said...

Cheers Simon, I think things are picking up now.

Adam, Poynton High School area, where are you?