noun
elephant hawk moth
A species of hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor) with pink and olive-green coloration. The Japanese name literally means 'crimson sparrow'.
ベニスズメの幼虫は、ヤナギランやアカバナを食べる。
The caterpillar of the elephant hawk moth feeds on willowherb and other plants.
夕方になると、ベニスズメが花の蜜を吸いに飛んでくる。
In the evening, elephant hawk moths come flying to feed on flower nectar.
The name ベニスズメ (紅天蛾) combines 紅 (べに, 'crimson') and スズメ (雀, 'sparrow'), likely referring to the moth's pinkish coloration and its swift, sparrow-like flight. The exact origin is uncertain.