69.002 BF1980 - Eyed Hawk-moth - Sphingidae - Smerinthus ocellata

69.002 BF1980 - Sphingidae - Smerinthus ocellata - Eyed Hawk-moth

Adult Macro: CAT 1 - Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Generally Common / Widespread

Taxonomy: Macro >> Sphingidae

ID Difficulty: green

- easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.

ID pointers: When disturbed, unmistakable, large eye-spots in the centre of the pinkish hind wing. The moth also has a habit of swaying, this apparently has been proved to deter insectivorous birds.

Distribution: A resident species that is widely distributed and locally common throughout Derbyshire. Has been recorded in all areas of the county but only common in the Trent valley and southern coal measures.

Flight Period: May / June / July / - On the wing May – July – Usually one generation.

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - and is attracted to light

Forewing: 36-44mm

Food Plant: Wild and cultivated willows and sallows

Recorded dates for Common [Blue-coded ] moths are not stored on the website at this current time.

IMAGES BELOW: Kings Newton & Melbourne – Images by Tony Davison©