Oak hawkmoth

Marumba quercus (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Distribution: Mediterranean species present in Morocco, Southern Europe, the Caucasus, and parts of Asia, including Ukraine.

Bionomics: Oak Hawk Moths are found in xerophytic oak forests. They are univoltine, active at night, and mate at dusk. Females lay 60-120 eggs on oak leaves, and larvae feed on oak leaves. Pupation takes place in the soil.

Abundance and Conservation: Typically rare, but more numerous in some southern Ukrainian regions. Listed as “rare” in the Red Book of Ukraine due to habitat destruction and pesticide use. Conservation efforts should focus on preserving habitats and banning pesticides in these areas.