MAY: Laothoe populi EGGS
Host plants: Poplar, Willow, Birch
Difficulty: Easy (2/10)
Temperature: Room temp or outside
Lifecycle: two broods; pupae overwinter in autumn
The Poplar Hawk Moth is a species of Hawk Moth belonging to the family Sphingidae. Native to much of Europe, including the UK. The Poplar Hawk Moth gets its name from one of its main host plants - Poplar trees. The caterpillars are extremely easy to rear on this and other host plants, including Willow and Birch. The first brood of moths usually emerge in April or May, and the second in July/August. Lay out tissue on the base of the enclosure for mature caterpillars to pupate among, or provide containers with compost for them to burrow into. Autumn pupae should be stored cold over winter until spring. Moths do not eat and breed very easily. They can also be released to boost your local population!