Well I finally got the first Hawk Moth of 2008 last night. Rather late due to the coolish spring weather.

Not the best picture as my camera doesn't do close ups that well! This is the Eyed Hawk-Moth

It is a large moth and this one had a wingspan of 10cm.  It is not a particularly common Hawk Moth compared to some other species. Although I record it most years it only seems to appear once or twice in any given year.

It is known as the "Eyed" because its defence mechanism is to reveal its hindwings when disturbed. These are stunning eye spots

I'm glad you started this thread Dave, I've been looking at pictures of moths and like this lovely example they are often pretty stunning creatures. What's the best way for me to go about finding these things hanging around - other than trapping them?

Well snapped - i too have a problem doing close ups with my camera

This Hawk moth is definitely more pretty then my leaf like hawk.

Marigold:

I'm glad you started this thread Dave, I've been looking at pictures of moths and like this lovely example they are often pretty stunning creatures. What's the best way for me to go about finding these things hanging around - other than trapping them?

Best to find them during the day because they are more active at night. We have them all over the house from spring through till early winter and during the day they just sit on a spot untill disturbed.

Marigold:

I'm glad you started this thread Dave, I've been looking at pictures of moths and like this lovely example they are often pretty stunning creatures. What's the best way for me to go about finding these things hanging around - other than trapping them?

With Hawk Moths its luck generally as most are only likely to be encountered at lights. The exception is the Humming-bird Hawk-Moth which flies by day and is an amazing sight as it feeds like a hummingbird

Well captured Dave.

I was lucky and saw a Humming bird Hawk moth a couple of years ago. Astonishing to see, very precise flight.

Sorry I meant moths in general - including day flying - are there  particular plants/trees that would be good to search out?,

Good stuff Dave. I can see how it gets its name base don that second photo. Although I have to admit I thought of The Silence of The Lambs when I saw the first picture

There don't seem to be that many moths around here (generally) - probably not warm enough!

Great pictures of a very pretty moth Dave

My friend James is a huge moth & butterfly enthusiast, and hopefully we will get some good pictures of moths ourselves over the coming months

 

Lovely moth. I saw a hummingbird Hawkmoth years ago in the midlands we all ran out shouting we had seen a hummingbird. My mum didn't believe us but soon changed her mind when she saw it. Only realised a few weeks later it was a moth when our neighbour told us.

Great photos of a beautiful moth Dave

Good effort Dave considering no macro

Marigold:

Sorry I meant moths in general - including day flying - are there  particular plants/trees that would be good to search out?,

Hi Chrissie

Moths are such a large insect group its hard to be specific as to where is the best place or plant to look. However, my advice would be to concentrate on Oak trees simply because they support more insect life than any other tree. Certain garden plants are good as nectar sources. Unsurprisingly this includes Buddleia, which is always worth a visit when in flower, whether by night or day. Most herbs are good(Marjoram,Mint,Lavender etc.) as is Red Valerian. Of course, all these plants are good for butterflies to. If there are any plants you need specific info on I'm happy to advise

Nice pics Dave, well done  Have seen one or two Hawk moths over the years - they really are quite a size and stunning to look at

Thanks Dave - I'll start with oak trees then

As a supplementary question - is there a particular tree those moths that camouflage themselves to look like bark, frequent?