Eyed Hawk-moth - Smerinthus ocellata

Wingspan 70-80 mm. This species has a sombre, camouflaged appearance at rest, but if provoked, flashes the hind wings, which are decorated with intense blue and black 'eyes' on a pinkish background.

Woodland and suburban localities.

The adults fly from May to July

The green caterpillars resemble those of the Poplar Hawk-moth, but have a bluish-coloured spike at the rear. They feed on Willow, Apple and several other trees.

Fairly well distributed throughout England and Wales, though not common. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)