Striped Hawk-moth
Hyles livornica
This record describes Hyles livornica (species). Recorded family: Sphingidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 60 to 80 mm. A large and very distinctive species with brown wings striped with white. Good photographs and/or the specimen required. Most records are of adults attracted to light. This immigrant species generally arrives between May and October. In good migration years caterpillars can be found in Britain, the progeny of earlier arrivals. They feed on low plants such as bedstraw and dock. A scarce immigrant species, which occurs in small numbers in most years, mainly in the south. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant. Generally rare or in rapid decline in VC55.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Sphingidae
- Genus
- Hyles
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Most records are of adults attracted to light.
Seasonal Activity
This immigrant species generally arrives between May and October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In good migration years caterpillars can be found in Britain, the progeny of earlier arrivals. They feed on low plants such as bedstraw and dock.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A scarce immigrant species, which occurs in small numbers in most years, mainly in the south. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Hyles livornica. 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 Striped Hawk-moth (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Striped Hawk-moth
What is Striped Hawk-moth?
Striped Hawk-moth (Hyles livornica) is a species in the family Sphingidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Striped Hawk-moth found?
Habitat: Most records are of adults attracted to light.
When is Striped Hawk-moth active?
Striped Hawk-moth: seasonal activity - This immigrant species generally arrives between May and October..
What is the life cycle of a Striped Hawk-moth?
In good migration years caterpillars can be found in Britain, the progeny of earlier arrivals. They feed on low plants such as bedstraw and dock.