NOW: Eyed Hawk Moth EGGS
The Eyed Hawk Moth is a species belonging to the family Sphingidae. Native to much of Europe, including the UK, the Eyed Hawk Moth gets its name from the distinct eyespot patterns on its hindwings, which serve to startle potential predators. With a wingspan that ranges from 6-8cm, it is a large moth by European standards. There is a spring and summer brood in this species. The caterpillars are extremely easy to rear on multiple host plants, including Willow, Birch, Apple, among others. Autumn pupae should be stored cold over winter until spring. Moths do not eat but breed very easily.
Food plants: Willow, Birch, Apple, Cherry
Difficulty: very easy (2/10)
Temperature: room temperature or outdoors
Lifecycle:
The Eyed Hawk Moth is a species belonging to the family Sphingidae. Native to much of Europe, including the UK, the Eyed Hawk Moth gets its name from the distinct eyespot patterns on its hindwings, which serve to startle potential predators. With a wingspan that ranges from 6-8cm, it is a large moth by European standards. There is a spring and summer brood in this species. The caterpillars are extremely easy to rear on multiple host plants, including Willow, Birch, Apple, among others. Autumn pupae should be stored cold over winter until spring. Moths do not eat but breed very easily.
Food plants: Willow, Birch, Apple, Cherry
Difficulty: very easy (2/10)
Temperature: room temperature or outdoors
Lifecycle:
The Eyed Hawk Moth is native to much of Europe, including the UK. The Eyed Hawk Moth gets its name from the distinct eyespot patterns on its hindwings, which imitate the eyes of a predator and are exposed by the moth when threatened. With a wingspan that ranges from 6-8cm, it is relatively large compared to other moth species found in its habitat. The first brood of moths usually emerge in April or May, and the second in July/August. The caterpillars are extremely easy to rear, when mature they will turn orange/brown - at this point, lay out tissue on the base of the enclosure for caterpillars to pupate among, or provide containers with compost for them to burrow into. Autumn pupae should be stored cold over winter until early spring.