Elephant Hawk-Moth | Deilephila elpenor EGGS

The Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor) is a striking, colorful moth in the Sphingidae family, found across Europe. Its adult form is notable for its vivid pink and olive-green coloration, with a wingspan ranging from 50–70 mm. The forewings are olive-green with a pinkish hue, while the hindwings are bright pink with dark borders, creating a beautiful contrast. The moth is nocturnal and feeds on nectar from various flowers, such as honeysuckle and jasmine, using its long proboscis.

The caterpillars of Deilephila elpenor are equally remarkable, growing up to 8cm in length. They have a distinctive appearance with an "elephant trunk" shape at the head, a feature that provides protection against predators. The larvae are typically green or brown, with large eye spots on the body to mimic a snake’s face, further deterring potential threats. They feed on plants such as willowherb and fuchsia before burrowing and pupating in the soil.

Host plants - Fuchsia, Willowherb, Bedstraw

Difficulty - Easy (1/10)

Temperature - Room temp.

Lifecycle - single brooded; partial second brood is possible.