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Moth Survey 1976-2016
Elephant Hawkmoth
Deilephila elpenor - Wingspan f 50mm
Common in summer in areas where willow herb grows, usually flying to light. Found in Orpington, North and South Bromley and beyond. Not really a moth of agricultural areas, it was common to the old overgrown gardens of the post war period - when manpower was scarce and many bombs sites preponderated with willowherb.
Habit: flies swiftly, much more often to light than some other hawkmoths - can be seen around honeysuckle, probing for nectar, sedentary during the day.
Single brooded: Over winters as a pupa under leaf litter and mosses. Elephantine larvae were often common in gardens during August, when they would inspire investigation as a possible snake or slow worm from unsuspecting gardeners and children. In most cases the larvae were looking for a place to pupate.
Larval foodplant: locally, on willowherb.
Status: not under threat, but the victim of pollution and too much garden and verge tidying..
Emergence times for moths and butterflies is a simple climate change monitor that you can be involved in. Please email your records and images to me and they will be considered for inclusion in the butterfly survey. This is open to individuals or teachers and schools. Click here or email info@nature-photo.co.uk
By Rodney Compton