I’ve seen these a few times, had them in the garden. Like you, I wondered what on earth it was the first time I saw one. I love the way it has markings like two eyes to ward off predators - nature is so pretty.
I’m very phobic about moths, cannot be in the same room with one, particular the large hawk moth types, but I have to say the elephant hawk moth is such a beautiful moth - I really wish I wasn’t so scared of them!
Eliza, don’t worry about them, they are harmless, we had them in our garden, but yours is not adult yet, that’s still a Caterpillar, it will grow into an ugly big moth.
These extraordinary creatures love fuchsias so if you see one leave it where it is. The moth that develops is stunning. I was lucky enough to see one last year and watch it develop.
Eliza, I saw one wriggling across an old cart track last year when I was out with the dogs.
I can understand why you were a little alarmed, as I was too.
The size alone made me look twice, then whàt with those big ‘eyes’ and the big spike sticking up, I quickly called the dogs away as I thought the spike might well be a sting.
I googled it when I got home and realised it was harmless. Strange looking things though, aren’t they.
Ugly? I’m probably the most moth phobic person on the planet, and would scream if one of these came near me, especially in an enclosed space. But even I can appreciate how stunningly beautiful this is.
Wow!
What a beautiful moth - I have never seen an Elephant Hawk Moth or Caterpillar before.
Incredible that such a dull brown caterpillar can turn into such a vibrantly coloured moth.
The caterpillar’s “face” reminded me of the first time I saw a Puss Moth Caterpillar - that has markings that look like a giant face.
The first one I saw was at this stage of colour
That fierce looking “face” frightened the life out of me for a moment!
Then I had to look online to see what it was. I’ve seen a few of them since then, never more than one or two at a time in my garden.
It fascinates me that they change colour so much as the caterpillar develops, then it turns into a beautiful silky-furred silvery grey moth - they feed on willow trees and they remind me of those silver-grey furry catkins that we used to call pussy willow when I was a kid.
On the link below, I found a fascinating video (speeded up) of the whole life cycle from egg to moth, showing all the different colour changes it goes through (the video lasts about 15 minutes, if you have time to spare.)