Lime hawkmoth Mimas tiliae

The forewing is deeply scalloped along the trailing edge with a broken and variable dark central band. The male varies in colour from pink to olive-green. The female is light pink to red-brown. The insects can sometimes be found resting during the day on trees or walls.

The caterpillar feeds on limes, elms, birches and alder. They are generally bright green with yellow stripes and a blue horn at the rear. Their colour changes to purple-grey when ready to pupate.

The lime hawkmoth can be found in most situations where the larval food plants are present, including town parks and gardens. It can be found throughout southern England and Wales but is absent from Scotland and Ireland. In Norfolk it is a common and widespread insect.

The flight season for the lime hawkmoth runs from May through to early July. The larva can be found from late June to the middle of September. The pupa over-winters underground.

Take part in National Moth Night to record any sightings you may make.