Privet Hawkmoth
Common NamePrivet Hawkmoth
Scientific NameSphinx ligustri
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilySphinginae
Wingspan (mm)105
Primary Colorsbrown, black, pink, white
HabitatGardens, hedgerows, woodlands, parks, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsprivet, lilac, ash, forsythia, snowberry
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. The larva is a large, bright green caterpillar with white and purple diagonal stripes and a prominent yellow horn. It pupates in an underground chamber.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, cryptic brown forewings, and the prominent pink and black striped abdomen. The white head and thorax markings are also characteristic.
Description
A very large moth with mottled brown forewings, a thick body, and a striking abdomen striped with bright pink and black bands. Its hindwings, often hidden at rest, are also pink with black bands.
