Eyes at the back of [my] head

Now, as the rosebay willowherb sets seed and casts loose its downy fluff, is the time to look out for elephant hawk moth  caterpillars feeding on the last of the foliage before they pupate and overwinter below ground. This is the largest of the British moth larvae and the most spectacular for when disturbed it tucks under its head and puffs up the lower segment which bears four glowing spots resembling eyes. The effect  mimics the head of a snake (although the name refers to its trunk-like appearance)  and the disguise is completed by the pattern of reticulated stripes across the plump velvety  body. Even if you know what it is the sight can be alarming enough to provoke an instant's recoil.


I found one in the kitchen yesterday. A cat must have brought it in and sadly it didn't survive so I was delighted to see this one  today.
 Fuschia is another host plant and the moth is green and pink to match.