Another version is black with yellow spots and a red head. The colour of the larva darkens before pupation. They feed on fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium, Epilobium montanum), on bedstraw (Galium verum and Galium mollugo) and various other plants (Clarkia, Fuchsia, Circaea, Plantago major, etc.). They can be found from July to September. Habitat This species prefers sandy or calcareous places, sunny heath, plantations, warm forest edges and wherever else it could find the host plants. These moths can be found in the Alps up to 2700 meters above sea level. Gallery References A. R. Pittaway: The Hawkmoths of the Western Palaearctic. Harley Books 1993, P.C. Rougeot, P. Viette, Guide des papillons nocturnes d'Europe et d'Afrique du Nord, Delachaux et Niestlé, Lausanne 1978. External links Bedstraw Hawk-moth, UKMoths Hyles gallii, Lepiforum e.V. Hyles gallii, Portal für Schmetterlinge und Raupen Description in Richard South's The Moths of the British Isles Hyles (moth) Moths described in 1775 Moths of Asia Moths of Europe Moths of Iceland Moths of Japan Moths of North America Taxa named by S. A. von Rottemburg Articles containing video clips