|
The
largest moth to appear in Britain, sporting a wingspan of up to 12 or
13cm, this is a striking species, though it is not native. Immigrants
arrive from southern Europe, usually several in each year, during late
summer and autumn.
It has the unusual habit of entering beehives in search of honey, and if
handled, emits a loud squeak.
The large caterpillar feeds on potato (Solanum tuberosum), and is
sometimes found in potato fields during good immigration years. |