Life span of Poplar Hawk moth adult

[Andyvon]

Yesterday morning, I found a Poplar Hawk Moth resting beneath my cooker grill. I didn't know what the huge moth was at the time but I took some pictures before moving it yesterday afternoon (so that I could cook my dinner). I put the moth beside the open window in the dark shed and it was gone this morning.

I have now identified the moth on various websites and I have learned much about them. Poplar Hawk Moths apparently fly on the second night after emerging from their pupa and this one has obviously done that recently. The websites also state that the adult moths have no mouths and they cannot feed as their only purpose is to mate and lay eggs. However, none tell me how long the moth lives as an adult before it dies. Does anyone know the answer please?

Thanks in anticipation.

[stacey.l.b]

Poplar Hawk moths life span is 3-4 weeks as an adult but dies after it mates or lays its eggs. i found this out because i saw one outside where i work and id never seen one, like you Andyvon and was keen 2 find out more about it. Stacey

[Andyvon]

Thanks Stacey,

That's longer than I thought as I guessed they might live for just a few days. I'm pleased someone else found these huge moths as fascinating as I did. Aren't they superb? Thanks for your answer.