Eyed Hawkmoth

ADULT: Wingspan 70-80mm. Similar to poplar hawkmoth but a flash of the pinkish hindwings with the iridescent blue eyespot soon puts to rest any ID queries. The eyespot is black rimmed with a large black pupil. The forewings range from greyish-brown through to pinkish or occasionally blackish. White antennae. CHRYSALIS: Located in winter. LARVA: June to September on willow, aspen, poplar and sallow. BEHAVIOUR: Attracted to light. When disturbed the eyes are exposed and the moth rocks to and fro. HABITAT: Parks, gardens, orchards, woods and riversides. FLIGHT PERIOD: Single brooded. May to July. STATUS: Resident. Common.