69.014 BF1987

Bedstraw Hawk-moth Hyles gallii

(Rottemburg, 1775)

---

Wingspan 60-80 mm.

An immigrant species, normally found at coastal localities, attracted to light, but does turn up inland. The rather worn adult depicted was caught in Mirfield, West Yorkshire.

In some years there are reasonable influxes, and subsequently larvae can be found in some areas, feeding on bedstraw (Galium) and willowherb (Epilobium).

The attractive caterpillars are dark green or brownish with bright yellow spots.