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Quietsleeper In reply to Wigrada [2008-04-20 15:02:45 +0000 UTC]

Privet Hawk-moth Sphinx ligustri
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Wingspan 90-120 mm.

The UK's largest resident hawk-moth, which is distributed in the southern half of Britain, and has distinctive pink and black barring on the body. The similarly-striped hindwings are often concealed.

It frequents woodland and suburban habitats, and flies in June and July, with a single generation.

The large caterpillar is even more spectacular than the moth, being bright green with lilac and white stripes along the side, and a curved black 'horn' at the rear. It feeds on privet (Ligustrum), lilac (Syringa) and ash (Fraxinus).

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