JUN/JUL: Deilephila porcellus PUPAE

Deilephila porcellus is known as the Small Elephant Hawk-Moth for fairly self-explanatory reasons - it is similar in appearance and colouration but notably smaller than the Large Elephant Hawk-Moth, Deilephila elpenor. The pinks and brown-yellows of porcellus are typically also brighter than elpenor. There are several host plants accepted by this species, my preference is to use Willowherb, however they also eat various different species of Bedstraw (Galium). Purple Loostrife is also reported as a host. The adult moths are active during late spring and early summer, sometimes with a small second brood in later summer. They are active at night, often encountered buzzing between flowers - feeding from its favourites like Honeysuckle and Valerian. Rearing is easy, pupae that do not emerge this summer should be overwintered and will emerge in spring following cold storage.