Bedstraw Hawk-moth - Hyles gallii - walstropijlstaart / Doel - Belgium / August 27, 2024

A huge, full grown caterpillar of a bedstraw hawk-moth (galium sphinx).
This beautifull moth has a wingspan of 60 to 80 millimeters and is a strong, fast flier. The caterpillars primarily feed on bedstraw (Galium species) and fireweed.
It is mostly nocturnal and can be found in diverse habitats such as meadows, gardens, and heathlands, where it plays a role in pollination.