Moths and more Moths!

[Mike Sibley]

Just as I was bemoaning the loss of many birds and insects in our area... I saw something strange while I was mucking out the donkeys a couple of days ago:

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On closer inspection, I could see it was a lovely big Poplar Hawk Moth!

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Typically resting with its hind wings projected forwards. It's been a few years since I last saw one. It was back here again yesterday, but not today.

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However, while I was making breakfast this morning, I spotted another strange shape on the kitchen floor. Having persuaded it to climb onto an old cloth, I was rewarded with my first look at one of these for a few years, too:

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It's a beautiful Elephant Hawk Moth.

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It even permitted me to take it outside into the sun...

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And even to walk onto my hand...

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What a lovely start to the day! And, in case you're wondering, they're named after their fat caterpillars that look like miniature elephant trunks.

[Laurene]

Your story had me googling elephant hawk moth caterpillars! They really do resemble elephant trunks!!

There’s a wonderful YouTube video by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust with excellent footage. This is one time when the moth outshines the caterpillar:)

Thanks for sharing Mike!

[ED: This one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfqpjDX0bTA]
[ED: and here's a much more in-depth one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD3asf8mT4c ]

[LindasPencils]

amazing insects!