Poplar hawk-moth, Laothoe populi
Poplar hawk-moth, Laothoe populi © NaturePlus user GrahamD
Hawk-moths include some of the largest moths to occur in the UK, with wingspans of 10cm or more. There are 17 species in the UK, of which the poplar hawk-moth is the commonest and most widely distributed species. Its broad greyish brown wings are scalloped at the edges and at the base of each hindwing is a distinctive patch of rusty red scales. This moth has a highly characteristic manner of resting with its smaller hindwings pushed forwards in front of the forewings. It is active at night but may be found resting on tree trunks by day.
