Lime Hawkmoth Mimas tiliae
The adult insect is quite beautiful and distinctive and has a wingspan of between 70-80mm.
Conservation status in Norfolk
The lime hawkmoth is widespread and common within Norfolk and is currently not threatened.
How to help
Take part in National Moth Night to record any sightings you may make.
Barry Madden
Information on the Lime Hawkmoth
How to recognise
The forewing is deeply scalloped along the trailing edge with a broken and variable dark central band. The male varies in colour from pink to olive-green. The female is light pink to red-brown. The insects can sometimes be found resting during the day on trees or walls.
The caterpillar feeds on limes, elms, birches and alder. They are generally bright green with yellow stripes and a blue horn at the rear. Their colour changes to purple-grey when ready to pupate.
Where to see
The lime hawkmoth can be found in most situations where the larval foodplants are present, including town parks and gardens. It can be found throughout southern England and Wales but is absent from Scotland and Ireland. In Norfolk it is a common and widespread insect.
When to see
The flight season for the lime hawkmoth runs from May through to early July. The larva can be found from late June to the middle of September. The pupa over-winters underground.
Did you know?
The adult moth has no mouthparts and does not feed, however it can be attracted to light. See the links below to find out how to make a moth trap.
Related questions
There are no questions regarding this species, perhaps you should ask us one?