Laothoe populi

Irish status: Widespread and Common

Poplar Hawk-moth - This large moth with a wingspan of around 70-100 mm normally flies from May to July and is attracted to light. It is certainly disguised as dead leaves as it settles in on the main host which is poplar hence the name. In flight the moth displays a red basal patch on the hindwing. They only feed at the lava stage and once hatched as an adult they never eat again. Photographed at Greaghnafarna Co. Leitrim.