Poplar hawk moth
The poplar hawk moth (Laothoe populi) is a notable species within the Sphingidae family, commonly found in damp woodlands, along rivers, and in urban areas. This moth is recognized for its impressive flying abilities and migratory behavior. Named for its diet, the caterpillar of the poplar hawk moth primarily feeds on the leaves of poplar trees, along with willow, aspen, and sallow, consuming several leaves each day. After mating in late spring, females lay up to 200 eggs on leaf undersides, leading to a caterpillar that is green with distinctive yellow lines and orange-red spiracles for breathing.
The caterpillars undergo multiple growth stages, known as instars, and eventually form a cocoon where they pupate for several weeks. Adult moths emerge to feed on nectar at night, using their specialized proboscis, and are distinguished by their camouflaged gray-brown bodies and wings. With a wingspan of 2.5 to 3.5 inches, they display red spots on their hind wings as a defense mechanism against predators. Adult poplar hawk moths have a short lifespan of three to four weeks, during which they mate and reproduce, contributing to the continuation of their species. Overall, poplar hawk moths, along with other hawk moth species, are intriguing for their unique adaptations and nocturnal behaviors.
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Poplar hawk moth
The poplar hawk moth is common in damp woodlands and along rivers, as well as in suburban and urban habitats. It is one of thousands of hawk moth species known for their flying skill and ability to fly long distances.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Uniramia
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Genus: Laothoe
Species: Populi
This species of hawk moth receives its name from its diet. Before it is an adult moth, the poplar hawk moth's caterpillar eats the leaves of poplar trees. It also eats willow, aspen, and sallow leaves and may consume several leaves a day. Other caterpillars may be part of the poplar hawk moth caterpillar's diet.
Around May or June, female poplar hawk moths attract a mate by releasing pheromones. After mating, she lays up to 200 shiny, yellow eggs on the undersides of leaves. The caterpillar of the poplar hawk moth hatches seven days later. The caterpillar is green with yellow lines and orange-red openings on its body called spiracles through which it breathes. It also has a thorn-like spike on its tail for protection. It may also hang from a branch and camouflage itself as a leaf.
The caterpillar feeds for four or five weeks from June to October and grows by splitting and shedding its skin four times. These growth stages are called instars, and the process is called ecdysis or molting. After four or five weeks, the full-grown caterpillar digs a shallow hole in the ground and forms a cocoon about its body. Now called a pupa or a chrysalis, it transforms from a caterpillar into a moth. This period, called pupation, may last eight weeks during the summer. The adult moth emerges from the cocoon and mates right away. A second generation of poplar hawk moth caterpillars grow and enter cocoons. This generation remains in its cocoon for six to eight months during the winter and emerges in the spring.
The adult poplar hawk moth feeds only on flower nectar at night. It uses its short, tube-like snout, called a proboscis, to suck the nectar. During the day, it rests on tree trunks, camouflaged against the bark. The moth has a gray-brown body and two pairs of brown-gray wings. Its wingspan is 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches (6 1/2 to 9 centimeters). The wings sweep backward like a hawk's wings. They use the red spots on their hind wings to startle predatory birds. The adult moth only lives three to four weeks after it emerges from its cocoon. During this time, it mates and then dies.
Other hawk moth species are common around the world. Some of these have different wing styles and body shapes, but all are known for their skill in flying at night. Some species migrate long distances. Hawk moths are also called sphinx moths because they resemble Egyptian sphinxes when they inflate their bodies when predators are nearby.
Representatives of hawk moth species:
Maghreb poplar hawkmoth Laothoe austanti
Aspen hawk-moth Laothoe amurensis
Hummingbird hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum
White-lined sphinx Hyles lineata
Bibliography
"Poplar Hawk-moths." Woodland Trust, www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/moths/poplar-hawk-moth. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
"Poplar Hawkmoth." Scottish Wildlife Trust, scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/species/poplar-hawkmoth. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.