Latin Etymology: Deilephila (?) elpenor (name from Greek myth)
Adult female Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor) at Geddington - June 2020
Featured Subspecies: Deilephila elpenor elpenor
Weight: ? / Length: ? / Wingspan: 6-7cm
UK STATUS NOT EVALUATED/ IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated
An unusual example of a species named after the appearance of it's immature form; in this case that it's caterpillar is said to resemble an elephant's trunk. In their adult form, the Elephant Hawk Moth is one of the larger moths in Europe and has some fascinating adaptations; they have superb eyesight, including the ability to see colour at night and are capable of hovering. Thanks to Di for showing me this individual from her moth trap!
Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Genus: Deilephila
SUBSPECIES: D. e. elpenor, D. e. macromera
- Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - A reasonably widely spread resident.
- Seen in Geddington (July 2020),
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