Hawkmoths are found throughout the world, the adults are strong fliers. They have narrow, pointed wings and streamlined bodies. Some are brightly coloured but others have more subtle markings to help them to blend with the vegetation on which they rest.

They present more of a challenge to their keeper than silkmoths, but are not difficult to rear if you are prepared to go to a little trouble.

The eggs require the same care as the eggs and larvae of silkmoths and make sure you obtain the correct foodplant for the species you have bought. When the larvae are fully-grown they will stop feeding, become darker and shrink slightly. These are signs that they are ready to pupate, some species pupate on the surface, others burrow. To make allowances for this you should fill a plastic aquarium or plastic container with a 6" layer of sieved soil with added fibre. Add a layer of dead leaves to the top of the compost, place the larvae in the container and within two to three weeks they should have pupated, either below the surface or in the leaves. Then place them in a small plastic tub lined with tissue or cotton and keep them in a cool place, ideally at around 40-46F. Leave them until the following spring.

When they emerge, move the box into a tall mesh cage so that the moths can crawl up the sides and expand their wings. Once their wings have dried, place a finger just under the head and encourage them to crawl onto it. Day-flying species should be handled during the night and vice-versa, otherwise they will take off and damage themselves by flying into walls etc.

Some species are difficult to breed, many will pair and lay eggs in a small breeding cage. Lime, poplar and eyed hawkmoths have no mouthparts and do not feed. The males and females of these species can be placed together as soon as they have emerged and pairing will take place shortly afterwards. When they have separated, place the female in a small, dark box lined with nylon mesh. The female will lay her eggs over the next few days and they can be transferred to larval rearing cages with the appropriate foodplant.

Other species should be fed before they pair or lay eggs. Place flowers containing plenty of nectar in the breeding cage.