Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor

The Elephant Hawk-moth is one of the largest and most attractive of all UK moths with its bright pink and khaki colouring.

It gets its "Elephant" name not because of its size (all hawk-moths are large) but from its caterpillar that imitates an elephant's trunk, with amazing "eye" markings to deter predators (see below).

Colours in natural daylight above. Wingspan 45-60mm; UK flight time May-Jul.