UKMoths Eyed Hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellata
69.002 BF1980
Eyed Hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellata
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Wingspan 70-80 mm.
Fairly well distributed throughout England and Wales, this species has a sombre, camouflaged appearance at rest, but if provoked, flashes 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.
The green caterpillars resemble those of the Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi), but have a bluish-coloured spike at the rear. They feed on sallow (Salix), apple (Malus) and several other trees.
Flight period
| Month | Records |
|---|---|
| January | 7 |
| February | 2 |
| March | 3 |
| April | 128 |
| May | 5,339 |
| June | 18,057 |
| July | 5,394 |
| August | 280 |
| September | 66 |
| October | 8 |
| November | 0 |
| December | 10 |
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