www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 3:27 pm**

please look at the attments to try and tell me what they are as iam a newbie to all this thanking you all geoff

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 4:20 pm**

think thats the elephant hawk moth

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 4:42 pm**

Geoff,
No question about it - that is an Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar. It's a beautiful caterpillar and a beautiful moth when hatched. Mostly they feed on Rosebay Willow Herb (Fireweed) as there's a lot of it about on common ground. The caterpillar will stay down the bottom of the Fireweed plants during the the day and then crawl up to the top the stalks to feed during the night.

The caterpillar will pupate in loose dead leaves and general herbage on the ground if I remember correctly, as opposed to burrying into earth as per most Hawkmoth larvae. So if you are looking after the caterpillar make sure it has the above for when it wants to pupate.

Michael

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 5:02 pm**

Yep. Large Elephant Hawk moth - The caterpillars are also fond of fuchia plants and commonly turn up in potted displays. The adult is like a beautiful pink and ochre version of Concorde ;o)

Trev

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 5:11 pm**

It does appear to be on a fuchsia plant. My neighbour found some on his fuchsia this year, but i have never had such luck with mine.

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 6:50 pm**

I've learnt something today. I always though Fuschias were useless to Leps!

Now I know otherwise I will check those I see.

Cheers

Lee

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2010 7:17 pm**

Here's a few images of an adult and a closeup of the caterpillar from a couple of years back. I had some small strands of Willow-herb growing amongst gravel round the side of the house, and a Elephant Hawkmoth had obviously decided it was good enough for a couple of caterpillars, even though the strands of Willow-herb were no bigger than 10 inches.

And yes, they can feed on Fuschia too. I'm just more familiar with them amongst the Willow-herb!

Michael