List of moths of Great Britain (Sphingidae) facts for kids

Hawk-moths are a fascinating group of moths, known scientifically as the family Sphingidae. They are often called "hawk-moths" because of their strong, fast flight, which can make them look a bit like small birds or even hummingbirds! In Great Britain, you can regularly find seventeen different types of these amazing moths.

Discovering Hawk-Moths in Great Britain

Hawk-moths are found all over the world, but Great Britain is home to many interesting species. These moths are known for their powerful wings and often long tongues, which they use to drink nectar from flowers while hovering.

Meet the Sphinginae Moths

This group of hawk-moths includes some well-known species. They are often quite large and can be seen flying at dusk or night.

• Convolvulus Hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli): This moth is a migrant, meaning it flies long distances to reach Great Britain, often from warmer places. It has a long tongue, perfect for reaching nectar deep inside flowers.
• Death's-head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos): Famous for the skull-like pattern on its back, this moth is also a migrant. It can even make a squeaking sound!
• Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri): This is one of the largest moths in Great Britain. Its caterpillars feed on privet plants, and the adult moths are often found in the southern parts of the country.

Privet hawk-moth

• Pine Hawk-moth (Hyloicus pinastri): As its name suggests, the caterpillars of this moth feed on pine needles. You can usually find this moth in the south and south-east of Great Britain, often in pine forests.

Exploring the Smerinthinae Moths

These hawk-moths are known for their unique wing patterns, especially the "eye spots" that some of them have, which can scare away predators.

• Lime Hawk-moth (Mimas tiliae): This moth has beautiful green and pink patterns. Its caterpillars feed on lime, birch, and elm trees. It's common in the south and central parts of Great Britain.

Lime hawk-moth

• Eyed Hawk-moth (Smerinthus ocellata): This moth has large, blue "eyespots" on its hindwings, which it flashes if it feels threatened. It's found in the south and central areas.
• Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi): This is one of the most common hawk-moths and can be found almost everywhere in Great Britain. Its caterpillars love to eat the leaves of poplar and willow trees.

Amazing Macroglossinae Moths

This group includes some of the most active hawk-moths, with several species known for their incredible hovering abilities.

• Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth (Hemaris tityus): This moth looks a lot like a bumblebee! It's active during the day and can be seen visiting flowers. It's considered "Nationally Scarce B," meaning it's not very common.
• Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth (Hemaris fuciformis): Another bee-like moth, this one also flies during the day. It's also "Nationally Scarce B" and found mainly in the south and east-central areas.
• Hummingbird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum): This moth is famous for hovering in front of flowers and drinking nectar, just like a hummingbird! It's a common migrant to Great Britain and can even live in the south-west.
• Oleander Hawk-moth (Daphnis nerii): A very striking and beautiful moth with green and pink patterns, this species is a migrant that occasionally reaches Great Britain.
• Spurge Hawk-moth (Hyles euphorbiae): This is a migrant moth, known for its caterpillars that feed on spurge plants.
• Bedstraw Hawk-moth (Hyles gallii): Another migrant, this moth sometimes even stays in Great Britain over the winter.
• Striped Hawk-moth (Hyles livornica): This moth is a migrant and has distinctive stripes on its wings.
• Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor): Named for its caterpillar, which looks a bit like an elephant's trunk, this moth is common in the south and central areas and rarer in the north.
• Small Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila porcellus): A smaller version of the Elephant Hawk-moth, it's found in the south, centre, and north.

Small elephant hawk-moth

• Silver-striped Hawk-moth (Hippotion celerio): This moth is a migrant and has shiny silver stripes on its wings.

Some of these moths, like the Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth, are part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). This plan helps protect and conserve species that are rare or at risk in the UK.

See also

• List of moths of Great Britain (overview)
  • Family lists: Hepialidae, Cossidae, Zygaenidae, Limacodidae, Sesiidae, Lasiocampidae, Saturniidae, Endromidae, Drepanidae, Thyatiridae, Geometridae, Sphingidae, Notodontidae, Thaumetopoeidae, Lymantriidae, Arctiidae, Ctenuchidae, Nolidae, Noctuidae and Micromoths