Deilephila porcellus Small Elephant Hawk-moth

Description

Taxonomy Identification: Family Sphingidae. First named by Linnaeus in 1758

Colour: The forewings are ocherous with a faint olive tinge; the front margin is edged and blotched with pinkish, and there is a broad but irregular band of the same colour on the outer margin. The hindwings are blackish on their upper margin, pinkish on their outer margin, and ocherous tinged with olive between. The fringes are chequered whitish, sometimes tinged with pink. The head, thorax, and body are pinkish, more or less variegated with olive; the thorax has a patch of white hairs above the base of the wings. It is highly variable in colouration..

Size: Wingspan 40-45mm

Comments & Applications: A well distributed hawk-moth found throughout Britain. Cousin to the larger “elpenor hawk” with similar colouring. The English name of this moth is derived from the caterpillar’s fanciful resemblance to an elephant’s trunk. The stunning adults with their bright coloured pink and green and streamlined appearance make this species popular with entomologists and reference collectors. Ideal for applications in the art and interior design industry.

Format: Supplied SET, wings spread, mounted on a pin, cabinet ready with locational data

More information: Wikipedia – Captive Breeding