What is the life expectancy of the imago of the elephant hawk moth?

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:38 pm

I have one of these, just emerged. How long will it live for?

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:48 pm

Bill Sikes;1198589 wrote: I have one of these, just emerged. How long will it live for?
Depends on the enviroment.

If you are anti elephant hawk moth I suspect until you find a suitable fly swatter.

If you are pro elephant hawk moth, Until it eats a hole in your sweater.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:53 pm

Bill Sikes;1198589 wrote: I have one of these, just emerged. How long will it live for? I could only find this forum Bill so hope it helps:

Elephant Hawkmoth - Wildlife and Environment Forums

Indeed, beautifull creatures.

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:00 pm

oscar;1198603 wrote: I could only find this forum Bill so hope it helps

Thank you. I want to show it to someone early tomorrow morning - the link does not say how long it will last for, though - if it's a short time, I would just let it go. I will give it some artificial nectar and see how it gets on.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:03 pm

Bill Sikes;1198612 wrote: Thank you. I want to show it to someone early tomorrow morning - the link does not say how long it will last for, though - if it's a short time, I would just let it go. I will give it some artificial nectar and see how it gets on.

Apparently at5tracted to molasses or beer so you could try those

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:15 pm

Bryn Mawr;1198615 wrote: Apparently at5tracted to molasses or beer so you could try those

I haven't any molasses, but I have some black treacle. I was going to use watered-down honey, but could use treacle as well, I suppose. Golden Syrup might be another possibility, as it contains glucose and fructose - but, as honey is basically evaporated nectar, I'll try that - I'll only have the moth for a few hours, but would like to give it a good chance.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:40 pm

Bill Sikes;1198626 wrote: I haven't any molasses, but I have some black treacle. I was going to use watered-down honey, but could use treacle as well, I suppose. Golden Syrup might be another possibility, as it contains glucose and fructose - but, as honey is basically evaporated nectar, I'll try that - I'll only have the moth for a few hours, but would like to give it a good chance. Good luck and do let us know how it does.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 7:25 pm

The English name of this moth is derived from the caterpillar's fanciful resemblance to an elephant's trunk.

The adults are attractively coloured pink and green affairs, with a streamlined appearance. They fly from May to July, visiting flowers such as honeysuckle (Lonicera) for nectar.

The larvae feed mainly on rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium), but also other plants as well, including bedstraw (Galium).

It is a common species in most of Britain, including Scotland, where it has increased its range in recent years.

Attached files

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 3:54 am

oscar;1198655 wrote: Good luck and do let us know how it does.

Let it go this morning after getting a few snaps. Found the larva last year, marching over the grass at quite a lick (as these things go). Now it'll be off to (hopefully) continue the cycle.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 1:49 pm

Here you go Bill, I asked my brother for you and he says 'Probably just a few days to a couple of weeks. Its main aim is to reproduce. It overwinters as a pupa'

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 4:32 pm

Betty Boop;1199203 wrote: Here you go Bill, I asked my brother for you and he says 'Probably just a few days to a couple of weeks. Its main aim is to reproduce. It overwinters as a pupa'

Humph. A bit close to home with some of that. Anyway, it's flown, having spent all day atrtached to the fron t of something in the garden. I wnnet out and it's gone. I will look at the snaps, did I send one in of another hawk mothm, sonme time ago?

Answer yes. Will try to add one of this moth tomorrow. Bed ahoy.