Please help uk newbie identify moth

[Roger C. KENDRICK]

Andy,

The tail spikes indicate the moth belongs in the Sphingidae (Hawkmoths). Given
the time of year and the likely sombre colouring (as you said goat moth), I'd
suspect you have Poplar Hawkmoth larvae to feed - try aspen, poplar or
broad-leaved willows (Salix spp.).

hope this helps,

Roger.



 --- Andy <p.p1per at ntlworld.com> wrote: > Hi there
> 
> I am a complete novice where moths are concerned,
> 
> now Tarantulas, Mantids or Snakes I know but moths I dont
> 
> Anyway
> 
> My son found a moth last week in his mates bathroom.
> 
> On looking in a moth book I had it looked something like a goat moth or
> similar, but I never made a thorough identification.
> 
> Before they went to bed that night they left the little plastic cup
> uncovered, complete with moth, outside on their window ledge for it to make
> its' escape.
> 
> By morning the moth had obviously gone but had left behind a large amount of
> little bright green eggs which they brought into the house to show me then
> forgot all about.
> 
> This morning, 8 days later, we have lots and lots of bright green
> caterpillars all over the conservatory.
> 
> Each one is probably about 8cm in length and has a little tail sticking up
> of about 3mm in length.
> 
> What I need to know is some idea of species and more importantly what food
> to give these little creatures.
> 
> Sorry cant be of more help with the identification in the first place but as
> I was only letting it go I didnt worry too much
> 
> Thanks in advance for any help
> 
> Andy
> 
> ps I am in Nottingham UK

=====
Roger C. KENDRICK
Ph.D. candidate, Dept. of Ecology & Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong
Senior Conservation Officer, Fauna Conservation, Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden, H.K.
http://www.kfbg.org/
http://hkusub.hku.hk/~kendrick/hkmoth.htm
http://hkusub.hku.hk/~kendrick/IGMHKinfo.htm
moths at kfbg.org, hkmoths at yahoo.co.uk or kendrick at hkusua.hku.hk

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