Elephant hawk-moth

Gardens, woodland edges, hedgerows, grasslands, and riverbanks across much of Europe and parts of Asia. Adults often rest camouflaged among foliage.

Caterpillars feed mainly on rosebay willowherb, bedstraws, and related plants; adults drink nectar from tubular flowers using a long proboscis.

Primarily nocturnal and strong-flying, hovering like a hummingbird while feeding. Caterpillars mimic snakes when threatened, and mature larvae pupate in leaf litter or loose soil.

Harmless to humans and non-stinging. Adults are important nocturnal pollinators, while caterpillars contribute to food webs but may occasionally defoliate host plants.