Poplar Hawk-moth vs Sallow
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Poplar Hawk-moth | Sallow |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Laothoe populi | Xanthia icteritia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 65-90 mm wingspan | 30-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Poplar Hawk-moth
A large grey-brown hawk-moth that holds its hindwings forward of the forewings at rest, creating an unusual silhouette. It is the most common hawk-moth across much of Europe.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, it reveals a rust-orange patch on its hindwings to startle predators before dropping to the ground.
Sallow
A pretty golden-yellow moth found in autumn, associated with sallow trees. Adults can be attracted to sugar or wine rope. Larvae feed on sallow catkins before descending to feed on low plants.
Did You Know?
Larvae begin life eating sallow catkins high in trees, then descend to complete development on ground-level plants.