ABH 69.003	Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi		BF 1981
Back To	(Linnaeus, 1758)
Phenology	JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Family	Sphingidae » Smerinthinae
Wingspan	65-90 mm.
Description	Resembles cluster of dead leaves of the main host, poplar.When disturbed, the moth will suddenly reveal a bright orange-red basal patch on the hindwing, possibly as a distraction or startle display.The wings can sometimes have a pinkish/purplish tinge wings are mainly grey marked with darker grey fascia but with the greys occasionally replaced by buffish tones (this form is more frequent among females than males).There is a white spot at the distal edge of the cell on the fore wings.
Life Cycle	Adults from May to July .The larvae feed on poplar (Populus), aspen (P. tremula) and sallow (Salix).frequent visitor to light.Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Aspen, White Poplar, Black Poplar, Goat Willow and Grey Willow, over-wintering as a pupa.
Habitat	Common in parkland, gardens, fens, woodland, heathland and moorland
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