Eyed Hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellata
Eyed Hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellata
69.002 BF1980
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 | 4 |
| April | 128 |
| May | 5,341 |
| June | 18,068 |
| July | 5,446 |
| August | 422 |
| September | 119 |
| October | 11 |
| November | 0 |
| December | 10 |
