Elephant Hawk-Moth Identification Guide
Recognize this vividly colored sphinx moth by its bold bands of olive-green and hot pink.
Read the full Elephant Hawk-Moth encyclopedia entry →
Key Visual Features
The elephant hawk-moth is one of the most vividly colored moths found in Europe, instantly recognizable once you know its color scheme.
- Size: Medium for a sphinx moth, with a wingspan of about 2-2.75 inches (50-70mm).
- Color and pattern: Wings and body display bold bands of olive-green and vivid pink, a color combination shared by few other moths in its range. Forewings are mostly olive-green with pink streaks along the margins and near the tip; hindwings are mostly pink with a dark base.
- Body shape: Stout, tapering body colored olive-green with pink stripes running along the sides, giving it a streamlined look in flight.
- Wings: Elongated and angular, typical sphinx moth shape, held swept back at an angle when the moth is at rest.
- Legs and antennae: Antennae are moderately thick, tapering toward the tip, and held close to the body at rest.
Where and When You'll See It
Look for this species in gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and waste ground across Europe and temperate Asia, particularly where rosebay willowherb (fireweed) and fuchsia grow, as these serve as important caterpillar host plants. Adults fly from late spring into midsummer and are nocturnal, visiting flowers such as honeysuckle for nectar and coming readily to outdoor lights after dark, when their vivid coloring is especially striking against a porch or window.
Similar-Looking Moths
The small elephant hawk-moth is a close relative with a similar general color scheme but is noticeably smaller and paler overall, showing more muted pink and yellow-green tones with less contrast between the bands. The elephant hawk-moth's larger size and bolder, more saturated pink-and-olive coloring, along with its more strongly striped body, are the best ways to distinguish the two species in the field.
Quick ID Checklist
- Medium sphinx moth with bold olive-green and hot-pink coloring
- Pink-striped body along the sides
- Pink hindwings with a dark base
- Elongated, angular wing shape
- Nocturnal, found near willowherb and fuchsia
Frequently asked questions
What colors should I look for to identify the elephant hawk-moth?
A bold combination of olive-green and vivid pink across the wings and body.
How is it different from the small elephant hawk-moth?
The elephant hawk-moth is larger and shows more saturated, contrasting pink-and-green coloring, while the small elephant hawk-moth is smaller and paler.
Where does this moth typically live?
Gardens, meadows, and waste ground across Europe and temperate Asia, especially near willowherb and fuchsia.
Is the elephant hawk-moth active during the day?
No, it is nocturnal, typically seen visiting flowers or lights after dark.
Elephant Hawk-Moth identified by the community
Recent Elephant Hawk-Moth finds identified with Bug Identifier.
