1980 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.