# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Lime Hawkmoth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Lime_hawk_moth.jpg&width=800) Photo: en:user:Emanresu, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lime_hawk_moth.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Sphingidae - **Genus:** Mimas ## 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 - **Leafy Disguise:** Lime Hawkmoth caterpillars have green bodies and a 'horn' that helps them mimic leaves perfectly to hide. - **Swift Flight:** Adult Lime Hawkmoths can fly incredibly fast, helping them quickly find mates and escape danger in the dark. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-robin) (*Erithacus rubecula*) — Birds prey on caterpillars and pupae. - **Pollinates:** [Common Lilac](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-lilac) (*Syringa vulgaris*) — Adults visit flowers for nectar, spreading pollen. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Don't touch moths or caterpillars without asking an adult first. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Lime Hawkmoth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Lime Hawkmoth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lime-hawkmoth)