πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Pine Hawk-moth

Sphinx pinastri

About Pine Hawk-moth

A sleek grey hawk-moth with dark streaks that provide perfect camouflage against pine bark. It is strongly associated with conifer plantations and native pinewoods.

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Did You Know?

When resting on a pine trunk, its streamlined body and bark-like colouring make it almost impossible to spot.

How to Identify Pine Hawk-moth

Pine Hawk-moth (Sphinx pinastri) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Adults typically measure 70-87 mm wingspan.

Pine Hawk-moth Habitat

Pine Hawk-moth is found in farmland 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.

Pine Hawk-moth Diet and Feeding

Pine Hawk-moth has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Pine Hawk-moth Found?

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

Distribution Map

Where Pine Hawk-moth can be found

Is Pine Hawk-moth Dangerous?

Pine 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.

Pine Hawk-moth Role in Nature

Pine Hawk-moth plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Pine Hawk-moth are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Pine Hawk-moth

What does Pine Hawk-moth look like?

The Pine Hawk-moth typically measures 70-87 mm wingspan.

Where is Pine Hawk-moth found?

The Pine Hawk-moth is found in Europe, temperate Asia and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does Pine Hawk-moth eat?

The Pine Hawk-moth has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Pine Hawk-moth dangerous to humans?

The Pine 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 Pine Hawk-moth?

When resting on a pine trunk, its streamlined body and bark-like colouring make it almost impossible to spot.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Pine Hawk-moth (Sphinx pinastri). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/pine-hawk-moth

MLA:
"Pine Hawk-moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/pine-hawk-moth.