Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi) | Species | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Male. Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on June 10th 2021. (© David Hastings) (1/400th sec at f13)  Female. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on May 20th 2022. (© David Hastings) (1/160th sec at f13) DescriptionFamily: Sphingidae (ABH : 69.003) Wing span: 60 - 92mm The Poplar Hawk-moth is an unmistakable moth. The wing pattern is very consistent. Chestnut-brown patches on the hindwings are diagnostic. When at rest the hindwing projects well beyond the leading edge of the forewing. It can be found throughout the British Isles. It occupies a wide variety of habitats where the larval foodplant grows, including parks and gardens, fens, woodland, heathland and moorland. It over-winters as a pupa. Adults are on the wing from May to early August in most places. A partial second brood in August and September can occur in England. Larvae feed on poplars, including Aspen, White Poplar, Black Poplar, and Lombardy Poplar. Sallows and Willows are also used. Earliest UK sighting: 2nd May ; Latest UK sighting: 19th August Sightings
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