Poplar Hawk-moth

Perhaps the largest moths in the UK are members of the 'Hawk-moth' family.

The most popular is known as the Poplar Hawk-moth.

The Poplar has a wing span of 100mm and is docile in nature, often seen during the day taking a rest. The one you see photographed was found in Beechdale.

Hawk-moths can be both day and night flying moths, they are known for their speedy flight and some have the ability to actually hover for example the Hummingbird Hawk-moth, (pictured below) which appears in the south of the country.

Hawk-moths are by no means dull in colour, in fact they appear to be some of the UK's most beautiful as shown in the picture below. This is known as an Elephant Hawk-moth, and was taken in Tamworth during the summer. Fuchsia pink and lime green in colour with a wing span of 50mm, they are far from being boring. Our skies are filled with some truly amazing little creatures!!

All photographs by L.Warren