DrawWithMike.net

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: On closer inspection, I could see it was a lovely big Poplar Hawk Moth! 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. 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: It's a beautiful Elephant Hawk Moth. It even permitted me to take it outside into the sun... And even to walk onto my hand... 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.

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 ]

amazing insects!