Spurge Hawk Moth (Hyles euphorbiae)
The spurge hawk moth is a member of the family of hawk moths. It is used as a biological control agent to check the noxious weed leafy spurge population.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Hyles
- Scientific Name: Hyles euphorbiae
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larvae are black, with countless white dots. Beneath these spots, there are another set of coral-red spots. The head and posterior end horn are the same color, with a bright coral-red line connecting them.
Pupa
They pupate inside a pale-brown chrysalis and remain loosely buried on the sand near the sea coast.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When open, the wings are gray with a square-shaped olive-brown blotch and an oblique band stretching from the apex to the margin of the wing. When closed, the patterns remain the same.
Hindwings: When open, the upperside is black with a green margin, and a pinkish-brown median band is present. When closed, the bands become hidden.
Average wingspan: 6.4 – 7.7 cm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: Late May – October
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Egg
The eggs are covered in liquid gum.
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Quick Facts
| Distribution | Central and southern Europe, most notably Spain and France |
| Habitat | Coastal sand dunes |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Predators | Seagulls, terns |
| Host Plants | Noxious weed leafy spurge |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- There are two sub-species – Hyles euphorbiae euphorbiae and Hyles euphorbiae conspicua.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Hyles
- Scientific Name: Hyles euphorbiae
