Vine Hawkmoth Hippotion celerio

Named for its host plants—vines and grapevines—this striking moth also answers to silver-striped hawkmoth, a nod to the elegant striping adorning its wings. Described by Linnaeus himself in 1758, it carries the distinction of appearing in the great naturalist's foundational taxonomy. The dual names reflect different naturalist perspectives—one practical, one aesthetic. Like all sphingids, it possesses the hovering prowess that makes hawkmoths the acrobats of the moth world.