Aspen Hawk Moth (Laothoe amurensis)

Distribution: This boreal species is found from the Baltic States to Japan, with a limited presence in Ukraine’s Polissia region.

Bionomics: Aspen Hawk Moths are hydrophilic forest-dwellers, active in May and June. They don’t feed and lay about 100 eggs on aspen leaves. Larvae feed on aspen primarily, occasionally on other poplar and willow species. Pupation occurs in the soil.

Abundance and Conservation: Localized in Polissia, vulnerable to habitat changes, especially drainage and aspen tree felling.