Bedstraw Hawk-moth - Hyles gallii

Wingspan 60-80 mm. A dark olive green hawk-moth, distinguished from the Striped Hawk-moth by the lack of white strips highlighting the veins across the forewing, and along the top of the thorax.

An immigrant species, normally found at coastal localities, attracted to light, but does turn up inland.

May to August.

The attractive caterpillars are dark green or brownish with bright yellow spots. In some years there are reasonable influxes, and subsequently larvae can be found in some areas, feeding on bedstraw and willowherb.

Widespread but uncommon immigrant species. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).