Poplar Hawk-moth

Only a few moths in the moth trap this morning, which surprised me although it had been a bit windy overnight.

This is s Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi.  It is a female (the male is smaller, more grey and has some reddish brown on the hindwing) and she has a wingspan of about 90mm (9cm, nearly 2 inches).  It flies very late at night, usually after midnight and sleeps (very heavily) during the day. 

It is a very common moth throughout  Britain and its larval foodplants are Aspen (Poplars) Willows and Sallows.  There are no Poplars close to us, but we have Grey Willow and Crack Willow in the garden.

It is worth looking at the larger version if you are brave enough.