Hawk Moth
Large, fast-flying moths also known as sphinx moths that hover at flowers like hummingbirds. Vital pollinators of evening- and night-blooming flowers with deep tubes.
Why you want them
Hawk moths are among the most specialised pollinators in the garden, with long tongues evolved to reach nectar deep inside tubular flowers that other insects cannot access. Many plants - including some rare wildflowers and garden ornamentals - are partially or entirely dependent on hawk moths for pollination. They fly at dusk and through the night, when no other pollinators are active, covering a critical time window. Their larvae are large green caterpillars that feed on brassicas and willow herbs but rarely in numbers that cause serious damage.
How to attract them
- Evening primrose
- Honeysuckle
- Tobacco plant
- Petunia
- Phlox
- Sweet rocket
- Night-scented stock
Preferred habitat
Woodland edges, hedgerows, and gardens with night-scented flowers. Adults rest motionless on bark and branches during the day. Pupae overwinter in the soil.
What harms them
Pesticide use, loss of night-blooming plants, light pollution that disrupts navigation, and reduction of larval host plants.
Garden, by Willowbottom works with nature, not against it. Support your garden allies and they will do most of the hard work for you.