Bedstraw Hawk-moth

Hyles gallii

Uncommon
Bedstraw Hawk-moth — photo 1 Bedstraw Hawk-moth — photo 2 Bedstraw Hawk-moth — photo 3 Bedstraw Hawk-moth — photo 4 Bedstraw Hawk-moth — photo 5

Description

Large, polymorphic caterpillar in two main forms: pale olive-green with yellow-white eyespots, or dark/black with vivid yellow-orange eyespots. Long, straight black caudal horn.

Information

FamilySphingidae
Size6–8 cm
Hairinessglabre
Observation periodJuly to October
DistributionThroughout France, more frequent at mid altitude. Widespread across Europe from Britain to the Balkans.
ToxicityNo
RarityUncommon

Host plants

  • Bedstraw
  • Willowherb
  • Fuchsia
  • Madder

Notes

Strongly polymorphic — two very different colour forms can occur in the same population.

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