Small Elephant Hawk-moth - Deilephila porcellus

Wingspan 40 to 45 mm. Slightly smaller but even more brightly-coloured than its cousin the Elephant Hawk-moth (D. elpenor).

Please provide a photograph to support your record.

It prefers chalky districts and dry grassy localities but is found in a range of habitats.

May to July.

The larvae, which are similar to those of D. elpenor, feed mostly on Bedstraw.

Locally distributed but occurs widely in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

In the most recent VC55 Macro Moth Checklist this species was classed as generally common and readily identifiable, a photo may be requested for unusual early/late records or from unusual sites/habitats.