Poplar Hawk-moth - Laothoe populi.

Poplar Hawk-moth - Laothoe populi. A macro moth species from the family of Sphingidae sub family Smerinthinae. Probably the commonest of our hawk-moths, it has a strange attitude when at rest, with the hindwings held forward of the forewings and the abdomen curved upwards at the rear. If disturbed it can flash the hindwings, which have a contrasting rufous patch, normally hidden. There is an uncommon buff-coloured form which is more frequent in females. The moth has a wingspan of 65-90 mm. The moth as two generations from May to July and again from August to September. The moth's habitat favours parkland, gardens, fens, woodland, heathland, and moorland. The green larvae feed on Poplar, Aspen, and Willow. The larva's spike is pale green-yellow, sometimes with a red tinge at the base. The moth is classified nationally as a common species in the UK.

Tags: Poplar Hawk-moth - Laothoe populi.