Elephant hawk moth

 

Seen in our kitchen a couple of nights ago - I'm still trying to get
one of the humming bird hawk moth!
http://i34.tinypic.com/ornp0h.jpg
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon

 



Strange how the adult is so beautiful (and surprisingly rarely seen)
when the caterpillar is so scary (at least I think so). Keep an eye on
your fuschias next year (not their usual diet but they can go for them
if their favoured weed diet isn't around).

 



Ah well, we do have Fuchsia greenhouse (not only Fuchsias) so perhaps
that's why were're visited.  We have several Fuchsias in the garden,
too so we're happy to accommodate this lovely beastie.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon

 



Quite late for an adult, but I expect that last winter has something to do
with it. They are usually on the wing at the end of May and June and the
caterpillars from the eggs laid then would now be full grown and sunning
themselves on the flowers of Rosebay Willowherb by now. The caterpillars are
unusual in that they can swim - after a fashion.

Phil
Northern Highlands of Scotland

 


Yes, they can swim. Found one in my pond, eating waterlilies!  It was
quite a good swimmer.  Rosebay willow herb is uncommon round here.
(Hereford)