Readers Question: What is THIS?

The mystery bug: elephant hawk moth

Today I got an e-mail from Daryl, asking if I could identify a bug that he found in central Scotland. He thinks it could be an exotic bug, because of its bright pink appearance. Sure, I’d like to see it! So on the right of this page you find the picture. A quick search in my entomology book gives the answer to the identity of this mystery guest: This beautiful pink and yellow moth is an Elephant hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor). It is native to Europe, Britain, Ireland and it range extends all the way to India and Japan.

Thank you Daryl, for sending me the picture and allowing me to post it on this website. If anyone else has a picture of a bug they would like the name of, please send me a message via the contact form.