Poplar hawk-moth vs Eyed hawk-moth
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a poplar hawk-moth from an eyed hawk-moth, and whether either one bites or stings.
Poplar hawk-moth
Laothoe populi
Eyed hawk-moth
Smerinthus ocellata
≠The key differences
Smerinthus has large eye-spots on the hindwings visible when spread and a different resting posture; Laothoe lacks conspicuous eye-spots and tucks hindwings forward.
Laothoe populi lacks the prominent rounded pink-black hindwing eye-spot and has a more angular wing shape and a peculiar resting posture with hindwings protruding forward.
⚖︎Side by side
| Poplar hawk-moth | Eyed hawk-moth | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 70-100 mm wingspan | 70-80 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Grey, Brown, Pale cream, Orange-buff (hindwing flush) | Brown, Grey, Pink, Black |
| Family | Sphingidae | Sphingidae |
| Habitat | Riparian woodlands, poplar and willow plantations, parks, gardens and hedgerows where host trees occur | Woodland edges, riversides, parks and gardens where willows and poplars occur |
| Range | Palearctic: most of Europe and temperate Asia eastwards | Widespread across Europe into western Asia; absent from extreme north and some Mediterranean islands |
| Active | Mainly spring to late summer depending on location; adults are nocturnal and fly at night | Late spring to early summer (varies by region); crepuscular and nocturnal |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍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
🔍How to spot an eyed hawk-moth
- Rounded hindwing 'eye' spot: a blue ring around a black pupil on a rosy-pink background, revealed when disturbed.
- Mottled brown-grey forewings with rounded outline and subtle transverse lines.
- Large size with 70-80 mm wingspan and stout, furry body typical of Sphingidae.
- Caterpillars are green with white diagonal side stripes and a blue tail horn.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a poplar hawk-moth and an eyed hawk-moth?
Smerinthus has large eye-spots on the hindwings visible when spread and a different resting posture; Laothoe lacks conspicuous eye-spots and tucks hindwings forward. Laothoe populi lacks the prominent rounded pink-black hindwing eye-spot and has a more angular wing shape and a peculiar resting posture with hindwings protruding forward.
Is a poplar hawk-moth or an eyed hawk-moth more dangerous?
Poplar hawk-moth: Non-toxic. Eyed hawk-moth: Non-toxic. Not dangerous to people. Adults do not bite or sting and are harmless.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.