Moth and caterpillar

[Tiaruallana]

Hi, I'm prety new here. Found a live ladybird in my house and wanted some advice. I realised I had some pics on my PC that'd probably be worth sharing.

These creatures were both found trying to gain entry to my work, both tried to come in via the front door. The single moth appeared in July 08. The caterpillar was one of at least a dozen which appeared later in August. I just assumed they are probably the same species but I could be wrong?

Anyway, hope you like the pics

[Jason Green]

The moth may be a worn (lacking white markings in the central part of the wings) Poplar Hawk Moth, Laothoe populi. The caterpillar is of the same species.

[wildlifesnapper]

hi

yes, both Poplar Hawk Moth.

neil

[Tiaruallana]

Cheers guys,

Oh, I was also going to ask:

Any reason why they'd be trying to get into my work? Nearly every caterpillar was found trying to cross the threshold, some were even found inside on the carpet. A few got squished by customers Anything I could do next year to deter them?

[Dogghound]

The adult is a female. Its interesting that the larvae were moving indoors like this, they are usually very lazy and stay on their host plant all their lives. They usually pupate at the base this host plant under the leaves or in an underground cell. So why they were going inside im unsure, perhaps its the affect of a parasite

[Lance Morgan]

Poplar Hawkmoth
Interesting 'red spotted green form' of larva there. Hawkmoth Larvae will wander away from trees onto paths etc in search of somewhere suitable to pupate. I have seen both Poplar and lime hawks do this. They will also wander to wards a bright light source at night.