Elephant Hawk Moth
The Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor) is displayed here in a high-contrast rendering that captures the species’ characteristic stripes of pink and olive, balanced with crisp clarity and spacious margins. This distinctive sphinx moth, widespread across Europe and introduced to parts of Asia and Canada, is a familiar visitor to gardens, meadows, and woodlands. Adults are most active at dusk and throughout the night, often seen hovering around honeysuckle and other tubular flowers in search of nectar.
The moth’s name comes from the remarkable shape of its caterpillar, whose tapered body and ability to retract its small head create an “elephant trunk” illusion. The impressive caterpillar can reach 8 cm in length, turning from green to brown as it matures, and features pairs of false eyespots that, when threatened, are dramatically inflated to mimic a snake’s face — startling would-be predators. The adult moth is equally memorable: its highly sensitive eyes provide nocturnal colour vision, and its powerful, hovering flight makes it an important pollinator. The species is mostly single-brooded — flying from late May to August — but adults may occasionally be encountered slightly earlier or later depending on local climate.
This contemporary print is faithfully adapted from the updated Bugs illustration and produced using the giclée process on 250gsm archival matte paper. The result is an image with sharp detail, rich colour, and lasting appeal — showcasing the unique graphic beauty and biological intrigue of the elephant hawk moth.
Bugs Series
Bugs gathers illustrations adapted from and inspired by founder Simon Tyler's book Bugs, published by Pavilion Children’s Books in 2017. The series celebrates the graphic elegance of insect life: armour-like exoskeletons, iridescent wings, compound eyes, and the ingenious mechanics of movement and camouflage. It’s a visual field guide reimagined—clean, bold forms and carefully tuned palettes that bring structure to the surface.
Each piece begins with the research-led drawings from the book and then goes further: refined linework, rebalanced composition, and subtle textural detailing designed for generous print sizes. The aim is clarity and presence — images that feel scientifically grounded yet striking on the wall. Printed with the same archival care as our other series, Bugs turns natural history into crisp, enduring graphic art.
Printing & Materials
Our Bugs series is produced in collaboration with specialist fine-art printing partners using museum-grade 250 gsm archival giclée paper.
Each print is made to order with exceptional precision and colour accuracy, using pigment-based inks for long-term stability and rich tonal depth.
Prints are carefully rolled in acid-free tissue and shipped in rigid cardboard tubes to ensure they arrive in perfect condition, ready for framing.
All materials and processes are chosen for their longevity, texture, and fidelity to the original artwork, reflecting our commitment to quality and craft.