Striped Hawk-moth (Hyles livornica) | Species | ||||||||||||
 Taken at Aston, Oxon., on August 24th 2025. (© David Hastings) (Canon R6+RF100, f/11, 1/200th, ISO3200, 400mm) DescriptionFamily: Sphingidae (ABH : 69.015) Wing span: 66 - 84mm This species is distinguished by the white stripes highlighting veins on the the fore-wing, and a doubled-back white stripe on each side of the thorax. It is an immigrant, and is most likely to be seen in the southern half of England and Wales. It usually breeds in open, warm habitats, particularly on the coast and in gardens. The flight period is mainly May to early June, and August. Immature stages are unable to over-winter in Britain. Larvae feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants, but usually on Rosebay and other willowherbs, or Hedge Bedstraw. It flies mainly at dusk and just before dawn, when it feeds from flowers such as Red Valerian and petunias. It comes to light. Earliest UK sighting: 24th August Sightings
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