Bedstraw Hawk Moth (Hyles gallii)
The bedstraw hawk moth is a member of the family of hawk moths. It is also known as the gallium sphinx moth and was first described in 1775 by German entomologist S.A. von Rottemburg.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Hyles
- Scientific Name: Hyles gallii
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larvae of these moths are around 70-80 mm in length. They are found in different color morphs: olive green with yellow spots or black with yellow spots alongside a red head. The ten spots arranged on their body in a row look like eyes. Both the color variations also have a red horn towards the end of their tail.
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Pupa
Before pupation starts, the larva’s color starts darkening. The pupa mostly appears brown, dwelling in the sand.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
The thorax and the body of an adult are olive-brown. The white lines intersecting the thorax also run across each side of their head and body.
Forewing: When the wings are opened, they are olive-brown, with an irregular white stripe along the middle. When closed, the patterns remain similar.
Hindwing: When opened and closed, a mixture of colors is observed in the wings; black at the base, white near the body, and bright pink in the middle, followed by a prominent black band and a gray margin.
Average wingspan: 55-80 mm
Flight pattern: May to August
Season: Not recorded
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Egg
Female moths lay eggs on the leaves of the host plants.
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Quick Facts
| Distribution | Central Asia, Japan, North America, Europe, and the Arctic Circle |
| Habitat | Sandy or calcerous habitat, plantations, sunny heath, and warm forest edges |
| Predators | Birds |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Host Plants | Bedstraws, Rosebay Willowherb, fireweed, madders, and fuchsias. |
| Adult Diet | Nectar from flowers like lilacs, Monarda, and bouncing bets. |
Did You Know
- The bedstraw hawk moth is similar in appearance to the spurge hawk moth, with the highlighting difference being the red color present on the undersides of the latter, besides prominent markings on the upper sides of their wings. The larvae of both moths also have a similar appearance but for the spots, arranged in a single row for the bedstraw hawk moth and double rows for the spurge moth.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Hyles
- Scientific Name: Hyles gallii
