Privet Hawk-moth - Sphinx ligustri

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.

It frequents woodland and suburban habitats.

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, Lilac and Ash.

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.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. Records of this species in our area seem to have increased in recent years.