Hyles euphorbiae, the spurge hawk-moth, is a European moth of the family Sphingidae. It has been found in Pontresina, Switzerland. This hawk moth is used as an agent of biological pest control against the noxious weed leafy spurge, but usually only in conjunction with other agents. The larvae consume the leaves and bracts of the plant. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.
Image: Hyles euphorbiae 02
Image: CH Caterpillar
Egg
Male, dorsal side
The Sphingidae are a family of moths commonly called sphinx moths, also colloquially known as hawk moths, with many of their caterpillars known as "hornworms"; it includes about 1,450 species. It is best represented in the tropics, but species are found in every region. They are moderate to large in size and are distinguished among moths for their agile and sustained flying ability, similar enough to that of hummingbirds as to be reliably mistaken for them. Their narrow wings and streamlined abdomens are adaptations for rapid flight. The family was named by French zoologist Pierre André Latreille in 1802.
Sphingidae
Vine hawk-moth larva (Hippotion celerio)
An example of the posterior "horn" seen on the tomato hornworm
Hyles euphorbiae pupa