Elephant Hawk-moth
Scientific Name: Deilephila elpenor
The Elephant Hawk-moth caterpillar is very large by usual standards here, at about 75mm long. As with nearly all Hawk-moth caterpillars there is a curved 'horn' or spine on the last segment.
When alarmed it retracts its head to form a bulge and display the two spots which resemble eyes. This is the 'Elephant' look which gives it its name.
The adult moth has a wingspan of about 70mm and marked in shades of pink and light brown. It feeds in the evening on nectar from honeysukles and petunias. The main food plants of the caterpillar are Willowherbs. So perhaps it should be with the FRIENDS of the garden as anything which reduces these detestable weeds can only be welcomed.
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