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Lime hawk-moth

Lime hawk-moth

Mimas tiliae

A species of Mimas

The lime hawk-moth (Mimas tiliae) has earned that name from its affinity for eating lime trees. However, the "hawk" part of its name does not come from the same source, as that would be terrifying. Females are a bit tubbier and less colorful than the males, this is mainly so they can handle the kiddos when it comes to giving birth.

General Info About Lime hawk-moth
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Attributes of Lime hawk-moth
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
Habitat
forest; human settlement area; park; single tree
Adult Food Sources
Blooming flowers such as honeysuckle (lonicera spp.), jasmines (jasminum spp.), daturas (datura spp.), gardening flowers (various species), vetches (vicia spp.)
Larva Food Source
Lime (tilia spp.), elm (ulmus spp.), birch (betula spp.), alder (alnus spp.), hazel (corylus spp.)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Lime hawk-moth is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Lime hawk-moth is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Lime hawk-moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Lime hawk-moth
It is found throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East, and has also been identified in eastern Canada.
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Distribution Area of Lime hawk-moth
Central Iberian Peninsula, Europe, Siberia
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Appearance of Lime hawk-moth
The wingspan is 7 - 8 cm. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, the male usually being smaller but more strongly marked than the female. Usually, the forewing ground colour is brownish in females and decidedly green in males, but there are many exceptions. The female abdomen is straight and fat with fully formed eggs, which are already present when the female emerges (as in all species of Smerinthini). The male abdomen, on the other hand, is strongly curved and slender. The larva is green with yellow and red markings along the side and a blue horn at the hind end, typical of the family.
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How to Identify Lime hawk-moth?

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Life Cycle of Lime hawk-moth
Egg The egg stage presents the initial form of lime hawk-moth, where the eggs are typically laid on host plants. They are minute and may display colors that blend in with their environment for protection.
Larva As larvae, lime hawk-moth exhibit significant growth. The caterpillars have a voracious appetite, feeding on leaves, and display distinctively colored markings for either camouflage or aposematic signaling.
Pupal During the pupal stage, lime hawk-moth undergoes transformation inside a chrysalis, typically attached to leaves or stems. In this stage, lime hawk-moth's tissues and organs are reorganized, preparing for adulthood.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult lime 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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Adult Size of Lime hawk-moth
7 - 8 cm
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Predators of Lime hawk-moth Larvae
Birds, rodents, carnivorous beetles, spiders
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Predators of Adult Lime hawk-moth
Bats, birds, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Lime hawk-moth
Lime hawk-moth larvae can blend impeccably with their surroundings, creating an excellent example of defensive camouflage in nature.
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Scientific Classification of Lime hawk-moth
Tips for Finding Lime hawk-moth
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Youth Habitat of Lime hawk-moth
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Lime hawk-moth
Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Lime hawk-moth
For adult lime hawk-moth, strong-scented flowers that open at night or sweet mixtures resembling nectar can be used as lures.
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Habitat Preferences of Lime hawk-moth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of lime hawk-moth can be found on the underside of lime tree leaves where they are laid. The caterpillars prefer the foliage of these trees for food and are typically found munching on leaves. Searching for these larvae involves checking the lime trees' leaves, both upper and lower surfaces. Pupae are often underground or in loose soil at the base of the host tree, requiring a careful search in the soil or leaf litter. Adult lime hawk-moth are mainly nocturnal and attracted to light, so they are best looked for at night using light traps around areas with lime trees.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Lime hawk-moth
The suitable time to find lime hawk-moth varies by stage; eggs are typically laid in spring, caterpillars can be found from spring to summer, pupae may be located in late summer or fall, and adults usually emerge in the evening or at night during late spring to summer.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Lime hawk-moth
Weather conditions ideal for finding lime hawk-moth include warm, dry nights for observing adults and mild, humid days for finding caterpillars and eggs.
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How and Where Can You Find Lime hawk-moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Lime hawk-moth eggs are tiny and usually laid on the underside of host plant leaves. Look for them on or near host trees, examining the leaves closely, especially where leaf veins meet the main stem.
Larva Lime hawk-moth larvae, or caterpillars, can be found on or near their host plants, feeding on leaves. Search for signs of feeding damage or frass (caterpillar droppings) on host plants to locate them.
Pupal Lime hawk-moth pupae may be buried in the ground or concealed in leaf litter near host plants. Careful searching through potential pupation sites, using a soft brush or your hands, might reveal their location.
Adult Adult lime hawk-moth can be attracted at night using lights or scented baits. They might also be found resting on the host plants or nearby structures during the day, camouflaged against the bark or foliage.
Are Lime hawk-moth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Lime hawk-moth
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Garden and Landscape Pest

Larvae of lime hawk-moth feed on leaves, posing as pests particularly to Tilia, Liquidambar, and Ulmus species. While minor infestations may cause negligible damage, severe cases can lead to defoliation, stressing plants and potentially impacting plant vigor. This could indirectly affect humans by altering the aesthetic and ecological value of garden and landscape plants.

More Effects of Lime hawk-moth

Beneficial Effects of Lime 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, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Lime hawk-moth is an effective pollinator known for being drawn to the color of flowering plants, particularly yellow flowers and fruit trees. This pollinator feeds on the pollen of flowers, which is a primary reason for its pollination activities. While foraging, lime hawk-moth inadvertently transfers pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the fertility and reproduction of the plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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