Hawk-moth Emergence

Pupae 15th Aug 2020

Having found the pupae of a Humming-bird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) lying on the ground behind a piece of wooden plank, I decided to keep it safe in the hope of catching the emergence. Having deposited the pupae carefully on some dry soil, within my spare fish tank - I checked the tank almost daily for just over a month.

Pupae in-situ 16th Aug 2020

The over-thought artificial refuge

On the 16th Sept, I noted that it had changed colour - a little concerned that it may be in the process of decay, I was relieved to find that it wriggled when I picked it up. I was also captivated by the fact that its eyes were now visible beneath the outer case.

the eyes have it

Two days after the colour change, our neighbours W & J came over to watch the moth trap being opened and sorted. I opened the lid of the tank, and found that we had just missed by moments the emergence of the moth from it's coccoon.

Over the course of the day (19th Sept) I was able to watch the progress of the moth expanding into the full adult shape, before finally witnessing it's first flight.