Eyed hawkmoth

Smerinthus ocellatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Distribution: This Western Palearctic species ranges from North Africa to Central Asia, including Ukraine.

Bionomics: Eyed Hawk Moths inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, shrubs, and gardens. They are mostly univoltine but can have two generations in the south. Adults are active at night, resting during the day. They lay 200-300 eggs on food plant leaves, and larvae feed mainly on willow and apple trees. Pupation occurs in the soil.

Abundance and Conservation: Common throughout Ukraine, not requiring special conservation measures