Fauna
Insect

Vine Hawkmoth

Hippotion celerio

Also known as Silver-striped Hawk-moth, Silver-striped Hawkmoth

Vine hawkmoths are aerodynamic, powerful fliers capable of covering thousands of kilometers during seasonal migrations across Africa, southern Eurasia, and Australasia. Adults hover motionless mid-air like hummingbirds while unfurling an exceptionally long proboscis to sip nectar from deep, tubular night-blooming flowers. The caterpillars display dramatic thoracic eyespots, pulling their heads back into the body when threatened to mimic a miniature rearing snake.

NocturnalMigratoryPollinator
Vine Hawkmoth reference1 / 7
(c) Donald Hobern, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFloral nectar, Grapevine foliage, Fuchsia leaves
Predators
  • Insectivorous bats
  • Birds
  • Mantises
ThreatsAgricultural pesticide applications in vineyards and artificial night lighting
HabitatsVineyards, gardens, open scrub, warm river valleys, and agricultural edges
Life span1–3 weeks as adult; 1–2 months total life cycle
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilySphingidae
  3. GenusHippotion
  4. SpeciesHippotion celerio
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Light Attraction: Check illuminated walls, shop windows, and porch lights late at night during warm autumn migrations.
  • Evening Watching: Stand near sweet-scented night blooms like jasmine and honeysuckle around dusk to see adults hover.
  • Foliage Inspection: Look beneath garden grapevine and fuchsia leaves for horned, eyed caterpillars during late summer.
Related species
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Found in Collections

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Moonlight Marvels

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