Deilephila elpenor.

[JDog]

This morning I was privileged to see this caterpillar of the Elephant hawk moth in my garden.

 

[kernel gadaffi]

I think I saw one a few days ago, about 3-4 inches long, it looked huge.

[7daysinaweek]

Just googled for the images of these moths, what beautiful colours. Absolutely fascinating mother nature and here is a link to images as i had to google them for identification. Cheers for sharing jd.

 

Would that moth be at risk of becoming a tasty morsel for any sharp eyed birds in the garden?

 

atb

7diaw

 

https://www.google.co.uk/search?biw=1366&bih=638&tbm=isch&q=elephant+hawk+moth+uk&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi4_-HftMLVAhVIJMAKHa9fBLwQhyYIKQ

Edited August 6, 2017 by 7daysinaweek

[JDog]

The moth would be too big a meal for most birds. This one was over 75mm long. In addition they have biting mandibles and a nasty looking hook along their backs designed probably to make them as unpalatable as possible.

[fruity]

It's huge , thanks for sharing

[NatureBoy]

Have privet hawks at mine. Another amazing looking moth and caterpillar. Sometimes find there old cocoons and preserve them. Leave my security light on at night and watch them feed on budleah. Had humming bird hawk moths in garden other week. Proper bird like.

 

NB

[sandspider]

Whereabouts are you in the country, NB? Hoping to see hummingbird hawk moths round my way, but none yet...

[JDog]

It was always thought that Hummingbird hawk moths were migrants from the continent. Now they have apparently discovered that at least some breed here. If you wish to attract them to your garden plant Centranthus ruber (valerian) which they love feeding on.

Edited August 7, 2017 by JDog

[JohnfromUK]

I have seen humming bird hawk moths this year (Worcestershire/Gloucestershire borders) feeding on Valerian.

Edited August 7, 2017 by JohnfromUK

[Tad-blody]

Thanks JDog you've saved me looking up what the kids found in the garden earlier, they are huge.

[sandspider]

Only seen them a couple of times in the UK, but frequently in France. I've planted some lavender which they also like, but nothing yet! Probably not sunny enough. I'll look into valerian too, cheers.

[NatureBoy]

Whereabouts are you in the country, NB? Hoping to see hummingbird hawk moths round my way, but none yet...

I am in Mid Suffolk Sandspider. Saw my first about 20yrs ago. Had to look it up for ID. In my garden most years for the last 15. Bit of a wild natural garden randomly managed for critters. They seem mainly interested in honeysuckle rambling through ivy on fence and shed at mine. Even certain areas of it. That might explain the breeding over wintering theory. As that part of garden sunny and sheltered with warmth from sheds in winter.. If you sit still they don't seem bothered and addictive to watch. In your face close. Hornets will have a go at them. Lot of other unusual insects and plenty of butterflies about this year.

 

NB

[sandspider]

Thanks NB.

 

I'm in South Wales, and have an area of paddock / meadow and a wild garden. Plenty of ivy! Lots of butterflies and other creatures this year, mainly in the wilder bits of the paddock, including species I've not seen in the UK before. (Plenty of horseflies too, alas!)

 

Need to top up the wild flowers, plant yet more trees etc. Would love to see HHMs in my own garden. Spent lots of time watching and trying to photo them in France. Good times.