look for hawkmoth caterpillars

25th August 2021

This incredible creature is the caterpillar of the Elephant Hawkmoth, which chomps through willowherb, but also fuchsia foliage; it is a huge 85mm long, with a false 'head' with eye spot markings to make itself look fierce as a defence against birds. In late summer and autumn it is most visible, looking for a spot to burrow into the ground or leaf litter to form its chrysalis and overwinter.