Elephant Hawkmoth Larvae

Info - This is the larvae stage of the Elephant Hawkmoth, a member of the “Sphingidae” / “Hawkmoth” family. The elephant caterpillar is either greyish brown or green in colour and can reach up to 8cm in length . They also have 4 black spots which resemble “eyes” towards the front of their heads and a spike on their rear. These caterpillars will feed on fuchsia, rosebay willowherb and bedstraw for around 27 days before they are ready to pupate. 

When and where to see -  The caterpillars will usually be seen between July and August on heathland, meadows and grassland ; or sometimes  crossing a dirt track like the one in the picture!

Fact - When threatened, they pose upwards, and retract their heads into their necks. This has the desired effect of tricking  hungry birds into thinking they are dangerous and snake-like, as their “black eye” spots are now enlarged and more intimidating.