This butterfly can hardly be confused with anyother. Firstly, the ophthalmic hawk is a rather large nocturnal insect, and secondly, its name is due to a characteristic sign - bright “eyes” located on the back wings. Our article will tell about this being.
Butterfly appearance
Ophthalmic hawk got its name,thanks to the expressive "eyes" - spots on the back wings. Unfortunately, this very beautiful butterfly is rarely found. The reasons are not only in the small number of populations, but also in the fact that hawk moths are twilight butterflies. They take off for walks when people sleep.
The ophthalmic hawthorn has a thick body covered withshaggy pile. When the butterfly is resting and its wings are folded, the "eyes" are not visible. The color of hawk moths of this species is dominated by gray-beige, and sometimes olive tones, which help to mask at dusk. But if the butterfly feels in danger, it immediately opens its wings, showing round eyes, similar to owls. Strengthens the impression and plump body, pointed at the end. Between the open wings and the "eye", it becomes very similar to a formidable beak. Small birds that hunt hawk moths scare away this maneuver, because on the spot of a harmless insect the face of a fearsome predator suddenly appears.
"Blind" fellow
There is a kind related to the ophthalmic hawk moth.Its representatives also have characteristic marks, but they are weakly colored and almost imperceptible. This is due to the name of blind hawk moths. They live in the same place where they are eyed, and lead the same way of life.
Life cycle
Scientists have found that in favorable years, two or even three generations of ophthalmic hawk moths can be born. And there are no distinctions, butterflies from different generations coexist peacefully.
The caterpillar of the ophthalmic hawk is represented in the photo.in our article. And you can see that this is a true master of disguise. Both the green color and the texture of the skin, all that is needed to hide among the foliage, are subject to safety. Caterpillars unusually voracious. But this moment is quite reasonable, because at the stage of the imago, ophthalmic hawk moths do not eat. In adults, there is no oral apparatus at all.
The life expectancy of this beautiful insect is small - less than a year.
Hawk Moth in flight
All hawk moths, including the eyelets, are excellent flyers. Experts consider these butterflies the fastest among insects. A racing hawk is shaped like a fighter plane.
In addition, ophthalmic hawk moth is extremely hardy.Only a dragonfly can compete with it. Scientists are aware of the case when a specially marked insect flew without landing from Stavropol to Moscow region, overcoming about 50 kilometers per hour. The butterfly spent about 24 hours on the flight.
Habitat
In another photo you can see the places where the ophthalmic hawk is common (they are marked in red). It is noticeable that this butterfly loves zones with a temperate climate.
A small hawk population lives inTransbaikalia. Scientists of the Daursky Nature Reserve observe these insects. At present, the Far Eastern ocellus hawk is not listed in the Red Book, but its expressive appearance and large size often attract the attention of both natural enemies and humans. This is a cause for concern, so experts monitor the population size.
