POPLAR HAWK MOTH (Laothoe populi) Saint John's Lake, Kiltybarden, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

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The Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi) is a macro moth of the family Sphingidae which is in the genus Laothoe. It is commonly found throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East . It is quiet large and has a wing span of up to 100mm.
This distinctively shaped moth is on the wing from May to September and can be double brooded. The adults do not feed and the species overwinters as a pupa. It is readily attracted to outdoor lights.

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laothoe_populi