Elephant Hawk Moth

The Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor), also known as the Large Elephant Hawk Moth, belongs to the Sphingidae family of moths. The caterpillar's similarity to an elephant's trunk gave rise to its common name. It is found throughout the Palearctic region, although central Europe is where it is most common. It has also been adopted by the Canadian province of British Columbia. Due to its striking olive and pink color, it is one of the most noticeable moths in its area. However, the closely similar species known as the small elephant hawk moth, which also has distinguishing colors, is frequently confused with the elephant hawk moth.

It is one of the most colorful moths that can mostly see in bronzy green with pink stripes. They can range in various sizes, but their wings span can range between 45mm and 70mm. Due to their nocturnal nature, these moths consume flowers that bloom or produce nectar at night. The elephant hawk moth was one of the first species in which nocturnal color vision in animals was recorded because of its extremely sensitive eyes, which enable it to perceive color even in low light.