The adults have a grey and brown banded camouflage pattern on their wings. They have a distinctive way of resting during the daytime, the smaller hind wings are fanned forward, under the triangular forewings. This breaks up the shape of the resting moth making it harder for predators to find them.
The commonest of the hawk moths, its caterpillars feed on the leaves of particular trees, aspen, poplars and willows. They are night flying.
Discover more about the Poplar Hawk Moth
When to see
Adults are seen flying between May and July and are attracted to bright outside lights at night. During the early summer caterpillars can be seen on suitable food plants, such as aspen, poplar and willow.
Where to see
Found in a range of habitats where its food plants exist from woodland and scrub to moorland and fen, but also in parks and gardens.
Did you know?
This hawk moth is one of the biggest common moths to be seen flying at night in Scotland and has a wingspan of between 65 to 100mm.
When to see
Adults are seen flying between May and July and are attracted to bright outside lights at night. During the early summer caterpillars can be seen on suitable food plants, such as aspen, poplar and willow.
Where to see
Found in a range of habitats where its food plants exist from woodland and scrub to moorland and fen, but also in parks and gardens.
Did you know?
This hawk moth is one of the biggest common moths to be seen flying at night in Scotland and has a wingspan of between 65 to 100mm.
When to see
Adults are seen flying between May and July and are attracted to bright outside lights at night. During the early summer caterpillars can be seen on suitable food plants, such as aspen, poplar and willow.
Where to see
Found in a range of habitats where its food plants exist from woodland and scrub to moorland and fen, but also in parks and gardens.
Did you know?
This hawk moth is one of the biggest common moths to be seen flying at night in Scotland and has a wingspan of between 65 to 100mm.
OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES
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Registered Company No: 303299 | Registered address: Wild Scotland, Suite 212, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA