Lime hawk-moth

The Lime hawk-moth (Mimas tiliae) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Sphingidae. It is a large nocturnal moth that, in its larval stage, can cause significant damage to deciduous trees in urban landscapes, parks, and woodlands.

The primary host plants for this species are members of the Malvaceae family, most notably lime or linden trees (Tilia). Secondary hosts may include birch, alder, elm, and occasionally fruit trees like apple or cherry, particularly when these trees are located near primary breeding sites.

The biology of this pest involves one generation per year. The insect overwinters as a pupa in the soil, usually at a depth of up to 10 centimeters. Adult moths emerge between May and June. Females lay eggs individually on the underside of host plant leaves. Larvae hatch in June and July, feeding actively until August, after which they burrow into the soil to pupate.

Damage symptoms involve intense defoliation of the leaf blade. Young larvae create small holes in the foliage, while mature caterpillars are capable of consuming entire leaves, leaving only the main veins. In cases of mass infestation, the pest can cause premature leaf drop and weaken the tree, leaving it susceptible to secondary pests and fungal infections.

Management strategies for the Lime hawk-moth focus on both cultural and chemical control. Late autumn tillage of the soil around the base of the tree is highly effective in destroying overwintering pupae. During the active larval feeding period, biological insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis or specific contact-stomach insecticides can be used if population levels become critical.