Spurge hawkmoth

Hyles euphorbiae (Linnaeus, 1758) 

Distribution. A Western Palearctic species, widely distributed from western Europe to northwestern China and western Mongolia. In Ukraine – widespread throughout the territory.

Bionomics. Xero-mesophilic meadow-steppe species, a characteristic inhabitant of various open primarily xerothermic biotopes, both natural (steppes, meadows, wastelands) and anthropogenic (agrocenoses, fallows, wastelands, etc.). Bivoltine. Adults occur in May-June and August-September; active at dusk and at night, very rarely during the day. They feed on flower nectar. The female lays eggs (up to 200 in total) in small groups on the upper side of the leaves of the host plant – various species of milkweed (Euphorbia). They prefer weak, low-growing plants. Young caterpillars first live in small groups, at an older age – separately. They are kept open on host plants. They are most active at dusk. Pupation takes place on the surface of the soil in a loose mesh cocoon containing fragments of dry leaves, particles of soil and other debris. Pupae hibernate.

Abundance and Conservation. In Ukraine, it is a common species throughout the territory, with a stable, fairly high abundance, which does not cause concern. The species does not require special conservation measures