Description: Wingspan 72-92mm. Adults have ashy grey or pinkish brown forewings with a broad darker central band. The forewings are finely scalloped and have a small white discal spot. The hindwings are similarly coloured but also have a large red basal patch. The moth adopts an unusual resting position, where the hindwings are clearly visible and held above the forewings, resembling withered leaves. From late April until the beginning of September.

World Distribution: Throughout Europe as far east as Russia and Syria.

Irish Distribution: This is by far the most frequently encountered hawk-moth in N. Ireland. Common and widespread throughout all counties including Rathlin Island, Antrim.

Ecology: Occurs in many habitats including offshore islands, many coastal localities and urbanised areas. Adults appear frequently at light in moderate numbers. Adults of this hawk-moth do not feed. The general public frequently finds them during the day resting on walls and fence posts. The larvae can be found from early summer onwards, although they are more frequently seen during August and September, when almost fully grown on willows Salix spp. and poplars Populus spp. They can often be found by carefully searching the lower branches of small isolated trees. It overwinters as a pupa.

Key Identification Features:

• Colour and resting posture
• Small pale discal spot on forewing
• Basal patch on hindwing

Distribution Map from NBN: Laothoe populi at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Laothoe populi at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.