Lime Hawkmoth
ExploreInsects
Lime Hawkmoth
Mimas tiliae
The Lime Hawkmoth is a big, green caterpillar that turns into a beautiful moth! It has a unique shape and loves to munch on lime tree leaves.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Lime Hawkmoth has striking lime green forewings marked with broad, irregular pinkish-brown bands. Its hindwings are a plainer pinkish-brown. This unique colour combination helps it stand out from other common moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusMimas
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult moths don't eat, living off stored energy from their caterpillar days!
It spends winter underground as a pupa, transforming from caterpillar to moth!
Its caterpillar has a "horn" on its rear end, but it's harmless!
Its scientific name, Mimas tiliae, means it's the lime tree hawkmoth!
Special abilities
Ability
Leafy Disguise
Lime Hawkmoth caterpillars have green bodies and a 'horn' that helps them mimic leaves perfectly to hide.
Ability
Swift Flight
Adult Lime Hawkmoths can fly incredibly fast, helping them quickly find mates and escape danger in the dark.
Ability
Nectar Probe
It has a long, flexible proboscis that helps it reach nectar deep in flowers, aiding pollination.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 60-80 mm
- Size
- 25-38 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 25 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars eat tree leaves, while adult moths drink flower nectar.
Age differences: Caterpillars consume tree leaves, but adults only drink nectar or don't feed at all.
Primary Foods
- Tilia species (Lime tree)
- Betula species (Birch)
- Alnus species (Alder)
- Ulmus species (Elm)
- Salix species (Willow)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Small-leaved Lime
Tilia cordata
Caterpillars feast on its leaves for growth.
eaten by
Greater Mouse-eared Bat
Myotis myotis
Nocturnal bats hunt adult moths at night.
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Birds prey on caterpillars and pupae.
pollinates
Common Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
Adults visit flowers for nectar, spreading pollen.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch moths or caterpillars without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lime Hawkmoth's wingspan?
60-80 mm
How big is Lime Hawkmoth?
25-38 mm
How long does Lime Hawkmoth live?
7-14 days
How fast can Lime Hawkmoth fly?
25 km/h
What does Lime Hawkmoth eat?
Caterpillars eat tree leaves, while adult moths drink flower nectar.
Where is Lime Hawkmoth usually found?
Forests
How does Lime Hawkmoth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Lime Hawkmoth have?
6
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