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Pine Hawkmoth

Sphinx pinastri

The Pine Hawkmoth is a big, fluffy moth that loves to fly around pine trees at night. Its wings are brown with beautiful patterns, making it look like a tiny piece of art in the sky!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Pine Hawkmoth has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body and narrow, pointed wings. Its forewings are mottled grey and brown with distinct black streaks, perfectly mimicking pine bark, while the hindwings are plain greyish-brown. Its slender body helps it move quickly through the air.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusSphinx
Pine Hawkmoth
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Pine Hawkmoth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Pine Hawkmoths can fly backwards for a short distance!

Its scientific name, Sphinx, comes from the caterpillar's unique upright pose.

Some Pine Hawkmoths migrate long distances to warmer places in autumn.

They are nocturnal, meaning they are most active when the sun goes down.

Special abilities

Ability

Super Sonic Flight

Pine Hawkmoths can fly incredibly fast and hover like a hummingbird, helping them escape predators and find nectar.

Ability

Nectar Sucker

The Pine Hawkmoth has a long, coiled proboscis (tongue) that can reach deep into flowers to sip sweet nectar.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
70-90 mm
Size
60-80 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Flight Speed
40 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch pine needles; adults sip nectar from flowers.

Age differences: Larvae eat pine needles, while adults drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • pine needles
  • nectar
  • honeysuckle
  • petunia

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Scots Pine

Pinus sylvestris

Larvae feed on the needles of this tree.

depends on

Black Pine

Pinus nigra

Caterpillars also eat needles from Black Pine trees.

eaten by

Brown Long-eared Bat

Plecotus auritus

Bats are nocturnal predators that hunt flying moths.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds, like tits, prey on the caterpillars.

pollinates

Honeysuckle

Lonicera periclymenum

Adult moths visit flowers to drink nectar and pollinate them.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are usually safe to watch, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pine Hawkmoth's wingspan?

70-90 mm

How big is Pine Hawkmoth?

60-80 mm

How long does Pine Hawkmoth live?

10-20 days

How fast can Pine Hawkmoth fly?

40 km/h

What does Pine Hawkmoth eat?

Caterpillars munch pine needles; adults sip nectar from flowers.

Where is Pine Hawkmoth usually found?

Forests

How does Pine Hawkmoth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Pine Hawkmoth have?

6

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