SPURGE HAWKMOTH |
HYLES EUPHORBIAE |
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| Fig 1 |
ADULT: Wingspan 55-75mm. An obvious species with greyish upper forewings that have bold olive-brown markings, the main one being a long oblique band starting in a point at the extreme apex of the wing and gradually thickening towards the trailing edge. The upper surfaces of the hindwings have black bases followed by pinkish bands that have a whitish blotch on the innerside. Another black band and a greyish outer edge and the mix is memorable. The undersides of all wings are stunningly pinkish-red. CHRYSALIS: Not located in Britain. LARVA: Starting greenish with a series of paired, black-edged white spots along each flank. Becoming more blackened with age. A red line runs along the back, and the slightly nobbly horn at the rear is red at the base with a black tip. Feeds on Euphorbia species. BEHAVIOUR: Attracted to light. HABITAT: Primarily coastal when found in Britain. FLIGHT PERIOD: July to October. STATUS: Immigrant. Rare and likely to be found towards the South. |