Deilephila elpenor

IrishStatus: Widespread and Common

Elephant Hawk Moth - this striking moth flies from May to August. It has a wingspan of around 48 mm. It is night flying and therefore feed on flowers that open or produce nectar at night time. It is one of a few moths that can hover when feeding. The main foodplants are Honeysuckle and Rosebay Willowherb. The English name of this moth is derived from the caterpillar's resemblance to an elephant's trunk. The caterpillar is snake-like with eye patches to ward off predator's. Photographed in Ballinaglera Co. Leitrim