Big moths in the uk. The elephant hawk moth is a vibrant combination of lime green and sugar pink. Angle shades phlogophora meticulosa the delicately scalloped wings of the angle shades make it one of our easiest moths to identify. If you have a moth you cant figure out and you have a facebook account post a picture on there and with a bit of luck well be able to reach a conclusion. Those you can spot now such as peacock small tortoiseshell and brimstone have hibernated over winter in.
As its caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants this moth occurs frequently in gardens. The privet hawk moth is one of the largest with dark brown and cream wings and a pink and black banded body. Large and fabulously patterned their heavy bodies make them slow to take off and they will sit on your hand looking wonderfully glamorous. Professor ilik saccheri professor of ecological genetics at the.
There are 57 species of butterfly and more than 2500 species of moth native to britain. An immigration of rare moths are on their way to the uk from europe and some of them are as big as a human hand. Other larger species of moths spotted in wirral have included the elephant hawk moth found by ian wiggins in his garden in moreton. Ukmoths facebook page.
Ukmoths is built run and maintained by ian kimber with thanks to the many kind contributors who provide photos and information. Nine species of hawk moth breed in the uk with another eight species visiting as. Wildlife lovers are being encouraged to look out for the various breeds that are.