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Poplar Hawk-moth

Laothoe populi

Not yet photographed by the community

Rests with hindwings protruding; orange patch when startled.

Species Profile

Green List (common and widespread in the UK)

Lifespan: 3–4 weeks as an adult moth in the wild
Size & Weight: Wingspan 80–100 mm; 1.5–2.5 g
Habitat: Deciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, gardens, and anywhere with mature poplar and willow trees.
UK Distribution: Found throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland; a resident species with some immigration from continental Europe in spring and autumn.
Diet: Adult moths do not feed; larvae feed exclusively on poplar and willow leaves.
Predators: Birds, spiders, small mammals, and parasitoid wasps (particularly ichneumonids).
Mating Season: May to August, with peak activity in June and July
Breeding: Females lay single eggs on host plants; larvae are solitary feeders. One generation per year (univoltine). Pupation occurs in soil, with overwinterng as pupae.
Behaviour: Nocturnal and attracted to light; males are highly attracted to pheromones and may be seen patrolling at dusk. The species has a distinctive resting posture with wings tent-like over the body. Adults emerge from pupae in spring and are short-lived, focused entirely on reproduction.

Did You Know?

•The caterpillar is bright green with a diagonal yellow stripe and characteristic red spots, providing excellent camouflage on poplar leaves.
•The moth's scientific name, Laothoe populi, directly references its preference for poplar trees as larval food plants.
•Males possess highly developed antennae (bipectinate) that detect female pheromones from great distances, sometimes over 1 km away.
•When threatened, the moth can flash its hindwings, which are patterned with pink and dark markings, to startle predators.
•Poplar Hawk-moths are among the largest hawk-moths found in the UK and are sometimes mistaken for small bats when in flight.

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