Eyed Hawk-moth
Smerinthus ocellata
This record describes Smerinthus ocellata (species). Recorded family: Sphingidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 70-80 mm. This species has a sombre, camouflaged appearance at rest, but if provoked, flashes the hind wings, which are decorated with intense blue and black 'eyes' on a pinkish background. The green caterpillars resemble those of the Poplar Hawk-moth, but have a bluish-coloured spike at the rear. They feed on Willow, Apple and several other trees. Fairly well distributed throughout England and Wales, though not common. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Sphingidae
- Genus
- Smerinthus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland and suburban localities.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly from May to July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The green caterpillars resemble those of the Poplar Hawk-moth, but have a bluish-coloured spike at the rear. They feed on Willow, Apple and several other trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly well distributed throughout England and Wales, though not common. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Smerinthus ocellata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Eyed Hawk-moth (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyed Hawk-moth
What is Eyed Hawk-moth?
Eyed Hawk-moth (Smerinthus ocellata) is a species in the family Sphingidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Eyed Hawk-moth found?
Habitat: Woodland and suburban localities.
When is Eyed Hawk-moth active?
Eyed Hawk-moth: seasonal activity - The adults fly from May to July.
What is the life cycle of a Eyed Hawk-moth?
The green caterpillars resemble those of the Poplar Hawk-moth, but have a bluish-coloured spike at the rear. They feed on Willow, Apple and several other trees.