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Bedstraw hawk-moth

Bedstraw hawk-moth

Hyles gallii

A species of Hyles, Also known as Bedstraw hawkmoth, Gallium sphinx moth

The bedstraw hawk-moth (Hyles gallii) flies throughout the night in search of meadows and mates. Their main caterpillar host, bedstraw, is where it gets its name. Otherwise, they are a beautiful combination of tan, red, and darker streaks of color. They enjoy living in warm locations, such as nearby plantations.

General Info About Bedstraw hawk-moth
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Attributes of Bedstraw hawk-moth
Colors
Brown
Black
Red
White
Habitat
sandy or calcareous place; heath; plantation; forest edge; mountain area
Adult Food Sources
Dianthus, phlox, nicotiana, petunia, buddleia
Larva Food Source
Epilobium (willowherb), galega (goat's rue), rubus (bramble), oenothera (evening-primrose), vitis (grapevine)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Bedstraw hawk-moth is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Bedstraw hawk-moth
It is present in North America, in Europe to the Arctic Circle, in Central Asia and in Japan.
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Distribution Area of Bedstraw hawk-moth
North America, Europe, Arctic Circle, Asia, Japan
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Appearance of Bedstraw hawk-moth
Hyles gallii have a wingspan reaching 6 - 8 cm. The bedstraw hawk-moth - Fore wings olive brown, with a broad, irregular, whitish stripe along the middle; hind wings black at the base; thorax and body olive-brown, a white line on each side of the thorax just at the base of the wings. The caterpillar is smooth, bluish-green above, inclining to pink beneath, sometimes brown and sometimes black, but always having a pale, almost yellow, line down the middle of the back, and a row of ten conspicuous eye-like yellow spots, on each side. The chrysalis is brown.
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How to Identify Bedstraw hawk-moth?

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Life Cycle of Bedstraw hawk-moth
Egg The bedstraw hawk-moth begins its life as an egg. Eggs are often laid on host plants and are small, spherical, and vary in color. Limited to energy reserves, there's no growth after being laid.
Larva Upon hatching, the bedstraw hawk-moth enters the larval stage, commonly known as a caterpillar. This stage is characterized by rapid growth, molting multiple times, and a primary focus on feeding. Color patterns often mimic the environment.
Pupal After reaching a certain size, bedstraw hawk-moth forms a pupa. This stage is immobile and encased usually by a cocoon. Inside, dramatic transformation occurs, reorganizing tissues into adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult bedstraw hawk-moth's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Adult Bedstraw hawk-moth
Birds, bats, spiders, insectivorous mammals
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Interesting Facts About Bedstraw hawk-moth
Bedstraw hawk-moth use temperature regulation strategies to warm up their flight muscles before taking off, much like a plane prepping for takeoff.
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Scientific Classification of Bedstraw hawk-moth
Tips for Finding Bedstraw hawk-moth
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Youth Habitat of Bedstraw hawk-moth
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Bedstraw hawk-moth
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Bedstraw hawk-moth
Food plants that caterpillars of bedstraw hawk-moth feed on can serve as bait for traps.
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Habitat Preferences of Bedstraw hawk-moth Through Different Life Stages
The larvae, or caterpillars, of bedstraw hawk-moth are typically found on willowherb or bedstraw, where they feed and grow. Searching for these caterpillars requires scouring host plants in well-lit areas like open fields or edges of forests. Pupae often reside underground or in leaf litter, so searching for them involves gently digging around the base of the host plants or examining accumulated debris. Adults, being strong fliers, frequent nectar-rich flowers in open habitats, such as gardens, meadows, or woodland clearings, particularly at twilight. To spot the adults, one should visit these flowers during dusk when bedstraw hawk-moth is actively feeding.
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How and Where Can You Find Bedstraw hawk-moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of bedstraw hawk-moth are typically laid on the host plants. To find them, inspect the undersides of leaves of known food plants for small, spherical, or oval-shaped eggs.
Larva Caterpillars of bedstraw hawk-moth can be found on or near their food plants. Look for them by carefully checking the host plants, especially where leaves have been chewed, as bedstraw hawk-moth caterpillars tend to leave telltale signs of their presence.
Pupal Pupae of bedstraw hawk-moth are often buried in the soil or concealed in leaf litter near the host plants. Searching through the upper layer of soil or leaf debris in the vicinity of known food plants can reveal them. Be gentle to avoid harming the pupae.
Adult Adult bedstraw hawk-moth are most active during the evening and night. To find them, go out with a flashlight during these times and look around flowers, where they may be feeding on nectar. Setting up a light trap with a bright bulb in a dark area can also attract them, as they are drawn to light.
Are Bedstraw hawk-moth harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Bedstraw hawk-moth
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Yellow Flowers, Galium, Rubiaceae, Epilobium
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Bedstraw hawk-moth is an efficient pollinator often seen hovering in gardens and wild areas. It is attracted to certain flowering plants by their bright colors and distinctive shapes. This insect actively collects pollen to consume, inadvertently transferring pollen from one flower to another, facilitating plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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