Sphingidae

69.006 Privet Hawk-moth Sphinx ligustri Linnaeus, 1758

Common

Similar species:

Forewing: 41 to 55mm

Habitats: Open woodland, hedgerows, calcareous downland, marshes, fens, coastal scrub and gardens.

Habits: The moth comes to light and nectars at flowers after dark.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the leaves of Wild Privet, Garden Privet, Ash, Lilac, Guelder-rose, Holly, Snowberry, Honeysuckles and garden species such as Forsythia, Spirea and Viburnum. It pupates well below the soil surface sometimes for two winters.