About Elephant Hawk-moth
A stunning pink and olive-green moth that hovers at flowers like a hummingbird at dusk. Its caterpillar has eyespots and a trunk-like shape, resembling a small elephant.
Did You Know?
It has exceptional night vision and can see colour in near-total darkness.
How to Identify Elephant Hawk-moth
Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Adults typically measure 55-70 mm wingspan.
Elephant Hawk-moth Habitat
Elephant Hawk-moth is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across Europe, temperate Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Elephant Hawk-moth Diet and Feeding
Elephant Hawk-moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Elephant Hawk-moth Found?
Elephant Hawk-moth can be found in Europe, temperate Asia, where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Elephant Hawk-moth can be found
Is Elephant Hawk-moth Dangerous?
Elephant Hawk-moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Elephant Hawk-moth Role in Nature
Elephant Hawk-moth plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant Hawk-moth
What does Elephant Hawk-moth look like?
The Elephant Hawk-moth typically measures 55-70 mm wingspan.
Where is Elephant Hawk-moth found?
The Elephant Hawk-moth is found in Europe, temperate Asia and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.
What does Elephant Hawk-moth eat?
The Elephant Hawk-moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Elephant Hawk-moth dangerous to humans?
The Elephant Hawk-moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Elephant Hawk-moth?
It has exceptional night vision and can see colour in near-total darkness.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/elephant-hawk-moth
MLA:
"Elephant Hawk-moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/elephant-hawk-moth.