Elephant hawk-moth vs Poplar hawk-moth
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an elephant hawk-moth from a poplar hawk-moth, and whether either one bites or stings.
Elephant hawk-moth
Deilephila elpenor
Poplar hawk-moth
Laothoe populi
≠The key differences
Poplar hawk-moth is larger and grey-brown with scalloped wings, typically resting with the hindwings projecting in front of the forewings; it lacks the bright pink colouring of the elephant hawk-moth.
⚖︎Side by side
| Elephant hawk-moth | Poplar hawk-moth | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 45-60 mm wingspan | 70-100 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Pink, Olive green, Brown, Cream | Grey, Brown, Pale cream, Orange-buff (hindwing flush) |
| Family | Sphingidae | Sphingidae |
| Habitat | Gardens, hedgerows, woodland edges, meadows and parks where nectar flowers and larval host plants (willowherbs, bedstraws, fuchsia, and others) grow. | Riparian woodlands, poplar and willow plantations, parks, gardens and hedgerows where host trees occur |
| Range | Palearctic: widespread across Europe and into temperate Asia, including the British Isles, mainland Europe and eastwards to Japan. | Palearctic: most of Europe and temperate Asia eastwards |
| Active | Mainly dusk and night; adults most often seen from May to August (sometimes later in mild areas). | Mainly spring to late summer depending on location; adults are nocturnal and fly at night |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot an elephant hawk-moth
- Pink and olive forewings with contrasting lines and patches; hindwings paler pink or brown.
- Stout, streamlined body typical of hawk-moths and a wingspan of 45-60 mm.
- Large caterpillar with eye-like marks and a habit of rearing the anterior body when disturbed.
🔍How to spot a poplar hawk-moth
- Large sphingid moth with wingspan 70-100 mm and stout body
- Hindwings swept forward under forewings when resting, producing an angular triangular outline
- Grey or brown mottled forewings with transverse lines; rusty-red patch at the base of the hindwing
- Caterpillars green with rough skin, yellow diagonal side stripes and a yellow tail horn
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an elephant hawk-moth and a poplar hawk-moth?
Poplar hawk-moth is larger and grey-brown with scalloped wings, typically resting with the hindwings projecting in front of the forewings; it lacks the bright pink colouring of the elephant hawk-moth.
Is an elephant hawk-moth or a poplar hawk-moth more dangerous?
Elephant hawk-moth: Non-toxic. Poplar hawk-moth: Non-toxic. Harmless to people. Not dangerous to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.