Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi
Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi
69.003 BF1981
Wingspan 65-90 mm.
Probably the commonest of our hawk-moths, it has a strange attitude when at rest, with the hindwings held forward of the forewings, and the abdomen curved upwards at the rear. If disturbed it can flash the hindwings, which have a contrasting rufous patch, normally hidden.
Distributed commonly throughout most of Britain, the adults are on the wing from May to July, when it is a frequent visitor to light.
The larvae feed on poplar (Populus), aspen (P. tremula) and sallow (Salix).
Probably the commonest of our hawk-moths, it has a strange attitude when at rest, with the hindwings held forward of the forewings, and the abdomen curved upwards at the rear. If disturbed it can flash the hindwings, which have a contrasting rufous patch, normally hidden.
Distributed commonly throughout most of Britain, the adults are on the wing from May to July, when it is a frequent visitor to light.
The larvae feed on poplar (Populus), aspen (P. tremula) and sallow (Salix).
Flight period
| Month | Records |
|---|---|
| January | 16 |
| February | 1 |
| March | 11 |
| April | 863 |
| May | 31,762 |
| June | 59,039 |
| July | 75,154 |
| August | 24,423 |
| September | 1,184 |
| October | 60 |
| November | 13 |
| December | 23 |
