JUN/JUL: Elephant Hawk Moth PUPAE

The Elephant Hawk Moth is a species of Hawk Moth belonging to the family Sphingidae. Native to much of Europe, including the UK. There is only one brood per year in this species, with moths emerging in early-mid summer. They are known to drink nectar from flowers such as Honeysuckle and Red Valerian, and lay eggs on plants like Willowherb and Fuchsia. Caterpillars grow quickly and are very easy to rear. 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. Pupae should be stored cold over winter until spring. Moths do not need to be fed but you can offer flowers or nectar solution, and they breed very easily. They can also be released to boost your local population!