The two morphs of the Elephant Hawk Moth
Elephant Hawk Moths are unusual in that the insect is named more after the caterpillar than the adult winged insect. The caterpillars remind people of elephants when they extend their head into what looks like a trunk. They also have four large ‘eyes’ to either confuse or intimidate potential predators, as well as a strange spike at the rear.
Elephant Hawk Moths also come in two colour forms, one a bright green and one a dark brown. Why? I hear you ask. I suspect it’s so that the entire population doesn’t get wiped out. If a predator recognises the bright green caterpillars as prey and eats them all, it may not recognise the dark brown ones and they might survive.
If you have a better idea about why they come in two distinct forms, do let me know in the comments.
I left them well protected under some Rosebay Willowherb, their favourite food plant, in the hope that they will pupate in peace and grace us with their winged presence next year.
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