When Do Hawk Moth Caterpillars Eat?

The moth is a swift flyer, attaining speeds up to 11 mph, but it cannot fly when it's windy. It feeds from dusk until dawn and then rests for the day near its final food source. The elephant hawk moth larva might look like an elephant's trunk to people, but to predators it more likely resembles a small snake.

What do hawk-moths feed on?

They feed on the nectar of night-scented flowers such as honeysuckle and lay their eggs on rosebay willowherb, bedstraws and fuschias. Like all hawk-moths, they're strong fliers. Their ability to beat their wings quickly and hover into position when feeding has earned them the 'hawk' part of their name.

How long does it take for a hawk moth caterpillar to turn into a moth?

Other Hawk-moth caterpillars can be seen in the British moth caterpillar gallery. After 12-14 days and at 25-30mm in length many moult from green into a dark form, appearing almost black when fresh, with distinctive 'eye-like' markings . The caterpillars are fully grown in about 30 days reaching 85mm in length.