πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Lime Hawk-moth

Mimas tiliae

About Lime Hawk-moth

A beautifully scalloped hawk-moth with variable pink-green to brown colouration and dark central wing bands. Adults do not feed at all, living only on energy stored as caterpillars.

πŸ’‘

Did You Know?

Its wing colour varies enormously, from bright salmon pink to deep olive green, even within the same brood.

How to Identify Lime Hawk-moth

Lime Hawk-moth (Mimas tiliae) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Adults typically measure 55-70 mm wingspan.

Lime Hawk-moth Habitat

Lime Hawk-moth is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, western Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Lime Hawk-moth Diet and Feeding

Lime Hawk-moth is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.

Where Is Lime Hawk-moth Found?

Lime Hawk-moth can be found in Europe, western Asia, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Lime Hawk-moth can be found

Is Lime Hawk-moth Dangerous?

Lime 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.

Lime Hawk-moth Role in Nature

Lime Hawk-moth is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Lime Hawk-moth

What does Lime Hawk-moth look like?

The Lime Hawk-moth typically measures 55-70 mm wingspan.

Where is Lime Hawk-moth found?

The Lime Hawk-moth is found in Europe, western Asia and typically inhabits underground environments.

What does Lime Hawk-moth eat?

The Lime Hawk-moth feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.

Is Lime Hawk-moth dangerous to humans?

The Lime 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 Lime Hawk-moth?

Its wing colour varies enormously, from bright salmon pink to deep olive green, even within the same brood.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Lime Hawk-moth (Mimas tiliae). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lime-hawk-moth

MLA:
"Lime Hawk-moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lime-hawk-moth.