Privet Hawk-moth

Privet Hawk-moth - Sphinx ligustri

Description

Wingspan 90 to120 mm. Our largest resident hawk-moth, which has distinctive pink and black barring on the body. The similarly-striped hindwings are often concealed.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It frequents woodland and suburban habitats.

When to see it

Flies in June and July, with a single generation.

Life History

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, Lilac and Ash.

UK Status

It is fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Generally common in VC55.

Reference
69.006 BF1976

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured squares = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records