Sphingidae

69.012 Willowherb Hawk-moth Proserpinus proserpina (Pallas, 1772)

Rare Immigrant / Adventive

Similar species:

Forewing: 18 to 21mm

Habitats: On the European mainland it is found in damp woodland clearings and sandy wasteground where the foodplants are found.

Habits: The three records across the south of England (1985, 1995 and 2015) may be the result of adventives or even deliberate introductions.

Foodplant: The larva has not been found in Britain. On the European mainland it feeds on Broad-leaved Willowherb, Hoary Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Rosebay Willowherb, Common Evening Primrose and Purple Loosestrife.