The Lime Hawk Moth is a fascinating insect with distinctive features and characteristics. This large, green moth sports a captivating appearance, easily standing out among other species of moths.
Known for its vibrant color, the Lime Hawk Moth has a pale or lime green hue, dark edge on its forewings, and a long, tapering tail on its hindwings. Additionally, each wing features an eyespot to deter predators. These eye-catching details make the Lime Hawk Moth a captivating subject for any nature enthusiast.
Lime Hawk Moth Overview
Scientific Name
The Lime Hawk Moth is scientifically known as Mimas tiliae. This moth species is categorized under the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and moths.
Sphingidae Family
Mimas tiliae belongs to the Sphingidae family, commonly known as hawk moths or sphinx moths. They are recognized for their:
- Large, heavy bodies
- Long, pointed abdomens
- Ability to hover near flowers for nectar feeding
The Sphingidae family comprises numerous moth species, including the Lime Hawk Moth.
Lime Hawk Moths display unique features such as:
- Green camouflage resembling lime tree leaves
- Distinctive markings for identification
Comparing Lime Hawk Moths to other hawk moth species:
| Feature | Lime Hawk Moth | Other Hawk Moth Species |
|---|---|---|
| Camouflage | Green | Varies |
| Markings | Distinctive | Varies |
| Size | Medium | Medium to large |
| Caterpillar host plant | Lime tree | Various |
The advantages of the Lime Hawk Moth’s behavior and adaptation include:
- Effective camouflage to avoid predators
- Hovering ability for efficient nectar feeding
- Attraction to lime trees for mating and laying eggs
Some disadvantages of their behavior and adaptation are:
- Limited habitat due to their reliance on lime trees
- Vulnerability to habitat loss and other environmental factors
In conclusion, the Lime Hawk Moth is a fascinating member of the Sphingidae family, exhibiting unique features that enable it to thrive in its preferred environment, while also facing challenges that come with its specific lifestyle.
Physical Characteristics
Wings
The Lime Hawk Moth has a notable wingspan, typically ranging from 70 to 80 mm. Its forewings are unique in design, with a pinky-buff and green mix of colors. Meanwhile, the hindwings exhibit a red and brown coloration.
- Wingspan: 70-80 mm
- Forewing color: Pinky-buff and green
- Hindwing color: Red and brown
Coloration
Lime Hawk Moths exhibit an array of colors on their wings and body. Their overall appearance consists of a blend of red, green, yellow, brown, and pinky-buff colors. This color combination helps them blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators.
- Red
- Green
- Yellow
- Brown
- Pinky-buff
Antennae
The antennae of the Lime Hawk Moth are quite distinct. They are hairless and change in width gradually. Their shape allows the moth to detect scents and navigate the environment.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Lime Hawk Moth |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 70-80 mm |
| Forewing | Pinky-buff and green |
| Hindwing | Red and brown |
| Coloration | Red, green, yellow, brown, and pinky-buff |
| Antennae | Hairless, with a gradual change in width |
In summary, the Lime Hawk Moth has a striking appearance with unique physical characteristics, including a diverse color palette and hairless antennae.
Distribution and Habitat
Geographical Range
The Lime Hawk Moth (Mimas tiliae) is native to England, Wales, and other parts of the UK. It is also widespread across Europe, including regions like France, Germany, and Italy.
Urban and Rural Habitats
The Lime Hawk Moth can be found in various habitats, such as:
- Parks: These moths often inhabit green spaces in urban areas.
- Gardens: They can be found in both public and private gardens, benefiting from the abundance of food sources in these environments.
- Woodlands: Lime Hawk Moths are also present in rural areas, thriving in woodlands where they can find ample shelter and food.
Naturally, these moths are attracted to tree trunks as they provide an ideal resting place for camouflage purposes. In urban areas, they are known to adapt well, often residing in gardens and parks. Although their main habitat consists of woodlands in rural areas, these adaptable moths can live comfortably in urban settings as long as there is an adequate presence of trees and foliage.
| Habitat | Examples | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parks | Green spaces in urban environments | Plenty of food sources | Human disturbances |
| Gardens | Public and private gardens | Diverse vegetation | Pesticide exposure |
| Woodlands | Wooded areas in rural regions | Ideal shelter | Limited food variety |
Lime Hawk Moth Life Cycle
Eggs
The Lime Hawk Moth begins its life cycle as an egg laid on the leaves of its host plants. The female moth can lay hundreds of eggs during her lifespan. These eggs are:
- Small and spherical in shape
- Yellow-green in color, turning brownish as they mature
Caterpillar Stage
After 7-10 days, the eggs hatch into larvae, also known as caterpillars. Lime Hawk Moth caterpillars have specific features:
- Green body with white, purple, and reddish markings
- A pronounced “horn” on their rear end
- Host plants: lime, birch, elm, and other trees
The caterpillars actively feed on the leaves of their host plants and molt several times throughout their growth.
Pupa Stage
Once the caterpillar reaches its full size, it pupates in the soil. It forms a brown, tough chrysalis during this stage. Lime Hawk Moths overwinter in the pupal stage, ensuring they survive cold months in a protected state.
Adult Moth
In spring, the adult Lime Hawk Moths emerge from the chrysalis. As adults, they have certain characteristics:
- Green and pinkish-brown wings with intricate patterns
- Wingspan of 70-80 mm
- Long proboscis to feed on nectar
Adult moths are most active at night and have a relatively short lifespan of a few weeks. This life cycle then starts anew with mating and egg-laying, usually producing one generation per year.
Feeding and Host Plants
Larval Foodplants
The Lime Hawk Moth (Mimas tiliae) is known for its preference of larval foodplants. As the name suggests, its primary host plant is:
- Lime (Tilia spp.): Lime foliage provides the main source of nutrition for the larvae.
However, these caterpillars can also be found feeding on a variety of other trees:
- Elm (Ulmus spp.)
- Birch (Betula spp.)
- Alder (Alnus spp.)
- Plane (Platanus spp.)
These host plants offer the essential nutrients necessary for the larval growth and development.
Adults Feeding on Nectar
Adult Lime Hawk Moths rely on nectar as their primary source of nourishment. Their feeding habits revolve around flowers that provide an abundant supply of nectar. Some examples of flowers they commonly feed on include:
- Honeysuckle
- Evening primrose
- Valerian
The Lime Hawk Moth’s long proboscis is well-adapted to reach deep into these flowers, efficiently extracting nectar. This method of feeding contributes to their role as pollinators, an essential aspect of maintaining ecosystem health.
Behavior and Mating
Nocturnal Activity
Lime Hawk Moths are nocturnal creatures, which means they are active at night. They are part of the sphinx moths family and are known for their fast and agile flight capabilities.
- Sphinx moths can maintain high body temperatures to fly on cool nights.
- They shiver to warm up for night-time activities.
Mating Rituals
Mating in Lime Hawk Moths involves a fascinating dance between the males and females.
- Males detect female pheromones in the air to locate a potential mate.
- Mating usually occurs during their nocturnal activity.
A comparison between male and female Lime Hawk Moths:
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Detects pheromones | Releases pheromones |
| Flies fast to locate mate | Waits for a mate to approach |
In summary, Lime Hawk Moths showcase unique nocturnal behaviors and an interesting mating ritual. These fascinating creatures never cease to amaze with their agility and unique adaptations for survival.
Predators and Threats
The Lime Hawk Moth, like many other insects, faces various predators in its natural environment. One of the main predators of this moth are birds. Birds tend to prey on different life stages of the Lime Hawk Moth, including eggs, larvae, and adult moths1.
Hovering around flowers for nectar, Lime Hawk Moths participate in pollination2. This crucial role helps maintain a healthy ecosystem. However, habitat loss and human activities can negatively impact their population, leading to a decline in pollination services.
The conservation status of the Lime Hawk Moth is currently not a primary concern3. However, it’s essential to monitor their populations and ensure that their habitats remain protected to maintain a stable ecological balance.
Interesting Facts and Features
The Lime Hawk Moth (Mimas tiliae) is an intriguing and visually striking creature. Here are some interesting facts about these moths:
- They belong to the family Sphingidae, which includes other hawk moth species.
- Lime Hawk Moths are native to Europe and parts of Asia, including Yorkshire in the UK.
The appearance of Lime Hawk Moths is quite unique, with some features including:
- Their caterpillars have a distinctive blue horn at the rear end.
- Adult moths possess long, pointed forewings with attractive patterns.
- They have bright green patches and yellow stripes on their wings, making them easily recognizable.
Carl Linnaeus, the famous naturalist, formally described Lime Hawk Moths in his 1758 work, Systema Naturae. As for their behavior and other characteristics:
- Lime Hawk Moth caterpillars feed primarily on lime tree leaves but can also consume other tree species leaves.
- Adult moths are nocturnal and are often drawn to artificial light sources.
When comparing Lime Hawk Moths to other butterflies and moths, some differences and similarities become apparent:
| Feature | Lime Hawk Moth | Other Butterflies & Moths |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium to large | Varies from small to very large |
| Wings | Long, pointed forewings | Varies, often with rounded or irregular edges |
| Horn | Blue horn on caterpillar | Not present in most caterpillars |
In summary, Lime Hawk Moths are unique, colorful creatures with fascinating features and behaviors.
Footnotes
46 Comments. Leave new
England huh? Well I think their habitat has expanded a little bit haha! See this link: http://picasaweb.google.com/mrmunka/LimeHawkMoth?feat=directlink
This was taken in Springfield Oregon, USA on June 21-22 2009
Hello, I was on my porch today and seen a strange Moth, It was on the brick of my house it looks just like the pictures of the Lime Hawk Moth. I looked at pictures all day on line of differant moths and this is the only one that looks like it. I have a Picture of it and have keep the moth in a container to show. It looks camouflaged if you place it near a leaf or tree. Quiet unique indeed.
Hi Teena,
Without seeing a photo, we are reluctant to say you have a Lime Hawk Moth. We are more inclined to believe you saw a Pandora Sphinx.
Guess It would help to Say I am from Indiana, Never seen anything like it.
I found one of these on my balcony this last Friday in Lewisville, TX.
I found one of these on my Balcony. It’s a Lime Hawk Moth. I live in Dallas, Texas. I can take a picture of it if you need one.
I also haqve to agree that these are way out of there habitat. I found one on my porch and I live in Kentucky.
Are you sure you didn’t see a Pandorus Sphinx? It is a native species for you and the colors are similar to a Lime Hawkmoth.
We saw one of these this summer in New Philadelphia Ohio.
Never had seen one before either. Now I wish I had taken a pic for proof!
It was VERY large. Id guess 5″ long and 3 wide
This bug is NO HOAX
after viewing the Pandora Sphinx pics it could have been that too ! SORRY
Thanks for your input. The Pandora Sphinx is easy to confuse with the Lime Hawkmoth, but they have ranges that do not overlap. We do not believe the Lime Hawkmoth has been established in North America.
Hi, there. I’m Tom with the Chester Co., PA Master Gardener program. We received an email with attached photo suggesting that this is a Lime Hawkmoth. It was captured here in Chester Co.
To what email address should I send this photo in order to get a positive identification and record the presence of the moth to those interested?
Use the link to Ask What’s That Bug? on our homepage and put Lime Hawkmoth in the subject line.
http://www.whatsthatbug.com/ask-whats-that-bug/
I know this is an old post I am responding to but I believe I have a pic of the Lime- bug from here in NE PA. If needed, you may contact me at this e mail add for the pic.
Email your photo using the Ask What’s That Bug? link and put Lime Hawkmoth in the subject line.
http://www.whatsthatbug.com/ask-whats-that-bug/
I have a live Lime Hawkmoth that was found here in Harrisburg, Pa. I have lived here all my life and I have never seen this type of moth. What should I do with it?
Are you sure you didn’t encounter a native Pandora Sphinx? See: http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2011/07/29/pandora-sphinx-33/
Saw and identified and photographed a Lime Hark moth in Mamaroneck, N.Y. which is in lower Westchester County. It seems that they have been moving north from P.A.
Please submit an image using our standard form which can be accessed by clicking the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site. You can attach up to three images.
I’ve had one on my porch for the past two days. Thought he was seeking shelter from all the rain we’ve been having in Macungie, PA.
The Lime Hawkmoth is not native to North America. We believe it is more likely that you sighted a Pandorus Sphinx.
July 22,2014
This morning I found this beautiful moth. I of course seen it before when I was younger. I live in a very small town between Leesport Pa and Hamburg Pa. I was very interested in knowing what this was exactly and I am glad to have found this site and just wanted to let anyone know that yes they are in Berks County.
The Lime Hawkmoth, to the best of our knowledge, has not naturalized in the New World. It is more likely you encountered a Pandora Sphinx, especially since you remember them as a child.
If I could find out how to put a picture up I would be glad to share it.
You can submit images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site. Please use Lime Hawkmoth in Pennsylvania as the subject line.
Kehrt Reyher
I have one in west Virginia on my truck tire exact same moth
Found this month on Couer D Alene Lake in Idaho on August 8th, 2015. It was sitting on wood railing all day and was gone by morning. Willing to send the pictures taken, if desired.
Images would be great. You can submit using the Ask What’s That Bug? link from our site and please put Lime Hawk Moth in the subject line to get our attention.
The huge moth that hung on our screen door yesterday for a few hours was exactly like the one the man saw at the gas station. The amazing thing was that he was so naturally cammo
colored. I took pics on my cell phone but have no idea of how to transfer it to the computer! His head looked like the British airplane looked head-on. Looking down it looked like he had horns on the back of his wings. Never saw anything like it.
Easton, MD USA
The huge moth that hung on our screen door yesterday for a few hours was exactly like the one the man saw at the gas station. The amazing thing was that he was so naturally cammo
colored. I took pics on my cell phone but have no idea of how to transfer it to the computer! His head looked like the British airplane looked head-on. Looking down it looked like he had horns on the back of his wings. Never saw anything like it.
Easton, MD USA
We believe you most likely encountered a Pandorus Sphinx, not a Lime Hawkmoth which is a European species. Though we once posted an image of a Lime Hawkmoth from Pennsylvania, we have never substantiated another North American sighting. You can submit an image by using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
Lime Hawkmoth -photographed one this morning (7-21-18) here in PA ZIP 17860- it was on a small maple tree leaf. It’s still there on the leaf as of 2:30 this afternoon….
Please submit the image using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
I found one today in my backyard in Morton, WA. 8/15/2021
Thanks for letting us know. It is very interesting that BugGuide still has no sightings.
I found one just yesterday in Washington too! I was sitting under a willow tree when I heard a plop and saw it on the ground. Now I wish I took a better picture of it…
Dear Bugman, dear Connor, dear Colleen, dear Sprig,
Thank You very much for sharing this fascinating observation and all the information about similar findings, on this great site! – Whatsthatbug has essentially contributed and greatly contributes to the knowledge about autochthonous and introduced insect species.
The Lime Hawkmoth (Mimas tiliae) has indeed been reported from several places of the northern New World as an introduced species in the last decennies, mainly from a few cities in USA and Canada; as many imported organisms, it is most likely to be found in rather urban biotopes – which can also be assumed for its homeland, where it preferably follows avenues planted with lime trees within urban centres (as a synanthropic species), a tendency observed in the last centuries in European cities (eg. Berlin) – besides its natural occurrence in “undisturbed” landscapes.
The caterpillar on the photo shows quite some similarity with that of the Lime Hawkmoth indeed (the water green ground color, the lateral stripes and the bluish horn); however, in the genus Mimas, the rear end of the caterpillar is marked by a characteristic group of prominent colorful tubercles (as on my added photo of a larva found on Potsdamer Platz in Berlin some years ago), which are missing in this individual (smooth anal part); additionally, this caterpillar’s white pattern is adorned with two straight dorso-lateral lines – completely missing in Mimas as well, but typically occurring in caterpillars of the Nearctic branch of the genus Smerinthus – indicating that the caterpillar in question belongs to that genus; as the palaearctic species Smerinthus ocellata (European One-Eyed Sphinx) lacks those lines, and these are less intensive in the eastern nearctic species, the photo shows an individual of Smerinthus ophthalmica, the Western One-Eyed Sphinx (on its pupating march, with the colors already changed). This also correlates with the information about records on willow trees (Salix) in Washington. – Pupating Mimas tiliae larvae are of a rather greyish (ventrally rosy) base color, much smaller (contracted) and strongly rounded – and very difficult to see on paved (asphalted) ground…
Thus, the bluish-green caterpillar on the photo is of the Western One-Eyed Sphinx, Smerinthus ophthalmica. It is part of the rich natural fauna of Your region – together with other species from 4 authochthone genera of the Smerinthinae tribe – Smerinthus, Paonias, Amorpha and Pachysphinx – from which the last three are only represented in the New World, whereas Mimas was originally only represented in the Old World…
Best regards over the sea,
Bostjan
Thanks for your extensive comment Bostjan. We will update the posting.
I found one on my corkscrew willow last week; I live near the Southworth Ferry Dock, Port Orchard, WA. I have a good close-up photo 3-4 minute video but not sure how/where to post it.
Burlington, wa. Found one yesterday. Trying to find put when they start to change? This one likes to tunnel into the ground. Actually found it underground.
Found one crawling on my shoulder after mowing under our willows. Anacortes Wa 10/22/21. Never seen one before this. Have pictures available.
Found one today at Greenlake area in Seattle Washington. Bright blue spike and looks exactly like the one in the picture. About 2 inches. Lots of willow trees nearby.
Found one 8/25/22 in Renton WA. About 2.5 inches in length, under willow tree in backyard. I have two photos and a video.
Found one 8/25/22, in Renton Washington, in our backyard under the willow tree. About 2.5 inches in length. Have several photos and a video.
I just found one today, 9/23/22, Longbranch, WA. In my back yard trying to crawl up one of my tall evergreens. I wish I took photos, but my cat was trying to play with it so I had to move it to another location.