Elephant Hawkmoth
Deilephila elpenor
West Glamorgan, Wales - June 2011
This spectacularly beautiful insect is common throughout England and Wales. It is scarcer in Scotland but reaches as far north as Aberdeenshire.
Nottinghamshire, England - June 2012
It is found in a variety of habitats, including many types of grassland, woodland rides and gardens. Its main larval foodplants are willowherbs, but it has also been recorded on fuschias, Himalayan Balsam and Impatiens.
Nottinghamshire, England - June 2012
Unlike many other hawkmoths, the Elephant Hawkmoth does not take to the wing until well after darkness has fallen.
Nottinghamshire, England - June 2012
It is strongly attracted to light and can be frequently caught in large numbers in moth traps.
Nottinghamshire, England - June 2012
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