Spurge hawk-moth caterpillar

Open, sunny habitats where spurges grow, including gardens, fields, and dunes.

Caterpillars feed mainly on leafy spurge (Euphorbia), often consuming toxic plants; adults feed on flower nectar.

The caterpillar’s green-and-black pattern with orange spots is characteristic; it may darken before pupating in soil. Adults are strong fliers, often active at dusk.

Harmless to people. Larvae can defoliate spurge weeds, while adults pollinate flowers; handling the host plant may expose skin to irritating spurge sap.