Moth Survey 1976-2016
Lime Hawkmoth
Wingspan f 50mm
Common in late spring* and summer. Found after emergence on the bark of suitable host trees in Orpington, North and South Bromley and any areas where there are suitably placed lime trees, many of which were planted as ornamentals along our suburban roadside verges.
*emerges much earlier in the North of England!
Habit: flies swiftly, less often to light than some other hawkmoths, sedentary during the day.
Single brooded: Overwinters as a pupa in soft soil around the lime tree base. Bright green larvae often found wandering on or around host tree in search of a suitable place to burrow down. Larvae darkens before pupating. Bred larvae and moth from eggs produced by a damaged female.
Larval foodplant: lime, possibly others.
Status: not under threat..
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
© Rodney Compton