Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor
Based on 174,675 records from NBN Atlas. pre-2000 2000+ View detailed records on NBN Atlas →

Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor

69.016 BF1991

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 45-60 mm.

The English name of this moth is derived from the caterpillar's fanciful resemblance to an elephant's trunk.

The adults are attractively coloured pink and green affairs, with a streamlined appearance. They fly from May to July, visiting flowers such as honeysuckle (Lonicera) for nectar.

The larvae feed mainly on rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium), but also other plants as well, including bedstraw (Galium).

It is a common species in most of Britain, including Scotland, where it has increased its range in recent years.


Flight period

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