Mimas tiliae, commonly known as the Lime Hawk-Moth, is a species in the family Sphingidae. It is native to Europe, extending into parts of Asia, and is known for its distinctive appearance and fascinating life cycle. The species gets its name from its association with Lime trees (Tilia spp.), although it also feeds on other deciduous trees such as elm (Ulmus) and birch (Betula).
The adult lime hawk-moth has a wingspan of 5–7 cm and displays beautiful, cryptic coloration. Its forewings are a mix of olive green, brown, and pinkish tones, with a pattern resembling lichen-covered bark, providing excellent camouflage. Unlike many hawk-moths, it is not a particularly strong flier and is primarily active at night, resting during the day on tree trunks or branches. Curiously, the adults can occur in a variety of colours other than green, often including rusty browns or even reds, and several aberrant forms have also been described.
The caterpillars are bright green with diagonal white stripes and a distinctive curved "horn" at the tail end, a characteristic feature of many hawk-moth larvae. They feed on the leaves of host trees and grow to a substantial size before pupating in the soil. Caterpillars pupating early in the summer typically emerge as moths the same year, in late summer or early autumn, whilst those that pupate later will typically overwinter and emerge the following spring.
Mimas tiliae thrives in various habitats, including parks, gardens, and woodland edges. Its striking appearance and ecological role make it a favorite among moth enthusiasts and a valuable part of the ecosystem.
Difficulty - Easy (1/10)
Host plants - Lime; Elm; Birch; Willow; Alder; Cherry
Conditions - Room temperature or outside.
Lifecycle - One or two broods annually.
