Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri) | Species | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Taken at Aston, Oxon., on July 9th 2022. (© David Hastings) (1/400th sec at f11) DescriptionFamily: Sphingidae (ABH : 69.006) Wing span: 82 - 110mm The Privet Hawk-moth is the largest native British moth. The dark chocolate-brown forewing, pink and black banded hindwing and abdomen, and blackish thorax make this large moth unmistakable. It is well distributed in southern and eastern England as far north as Lincolnshire. Also in south-west Wales. Habitats include downland, hedgerows, open woodland and gardens, preferring calcareous soils. It over-winters as a pupa, sometimes twice. The pupa can be up to 30cm underground. Adults are on the wing in June and July. Larvae feed on Wild Privet, Garden Privet, Ash, Lilac and Guelder-rose. It comes to light, and feeds at flowers. Earliest UK sighting: 31st May ; Latest UK sighting: 23rd July Sightings
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