Mediterranean Hawk-moth
Hyles nicaea
Checklist Number69.0141 [B&F: 1988]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Classification
| Family: | Sphingidae |
| Subfamily: | Macroglossinae |
| Genus: | Hyles |
| Species: | nicaea |
| Authority: | (de Prunner, 1798) |
Two larvae of this southern European species were found in South Devon, close to the mouth of the R. Avon, in August 1954, but as the species is not migratory, it is assumed that they were the progeny of an accidentally imported female. Wingspan 80-100 mm. Resembles Spurge Hawk-moth H. euphorbiae, but pattern of hindwing is different. Larva feeds on Wood Spurge and Sea Spurge, no evidence of breeding in the UK.
