Olifantsrups by Juliette.Gribnau
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Description
Larva of "Deilephila elpenor", known as the Elephant Hawk-moth, is a large moth of the Sphingidae family
The species is found throughout Britain and Ireland. Its range extends across Europe, Russia, and into China, northern parts of the Indian subcontinent, Japan and Korea (though not Taiwan). Introduced specimens have been found in British Columbia. In most of their range, the adults are seen from May to July and the caterpillars from July to September, when they pupate. However in some parts of the Mediterranean and China the adults may be seen from April on, sometimes having two broods in a year.
The larva is about 75 millimetres (3.0 in) long, green and brown in colour. Like most hawk moth caterpillars, they have a backward curving spine or "horn" on the final abdominal segment. The anterior of the caterpillar appears to have the shape of a trunk-like snout. It is this elephant look, rather than its large size, that gives the moth its name. When startled, the caterpillar draws its trunk into its foremost body segment. This posture resembles a snake with a large head and four large eye-like patches. Caterpillars are preyed upon by birds, but these shy away (at least for some time) from caterpillars in "snake" pose. It is not known whether the birds take the caterpillar to actually resemble a snake, or are frightened by the sudden change of a familiar prey item into an unusual and boldly-patterned shape.
The preferred food plants of the caterpillar are willowherb (Epilobium) and bedstraw (Galium), though it will also take fuchsias.
Comments (14)
miwi
Excellent macro,super info;thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jmb007
jolie
CavalierLady
Very impressive macro shot and details... I googled the name and the hawk moth itself is very beautiful!
durleybeachbum
A beautiful specimen! I reared some to adulthood but they atrophied on emergence this time.
MrsRatbag
What a fine creature this is! Given the sheer volume of willowherb plants around here I'm surprised I haven't seen any of these. Wonderful capture and excellent details!
johndoop
Een prachtige macro de naam klinkt groter dan dat hij is..
VDH
Zoals altijd een super macro met heel scherpe details. Die rups zal wel niet zo groot zijn als een olifant, doch ziet er een flink uit de kluiten gewassen exemplaar uit!
farmerC
Prachtig macrowerk. wat is ie mooi getekend.........
Adobe_One_Kenobi
Lovely shot Juliette
kgb224
Superb capture Juliette. God bless.
FredNunes
Remarkable photo!
rayag
Incredible !!!!!!!!!!!!
algra
Schitterend. mooie textuur voor UF! Ik heb ook het vlindertje dat erbij hoort maar eens opgezocht: http://www.vlindernet.nl/fotoalbum.php?vlinderid=408&fotoid=19643&soort=vlinder Bedankt ook voor de uitvoerige info.
rr4terps
Another great macro, Juliette. Nice sharp detail and color, and nicely composed. This is definitely an interesting looking caterpillar with some interesting markings. I'll have to do some googling to see if I can find a picture of the moth.