Privet Hawkmoth Sphinx ligustri

Spread widely across the southern half of Britain, the moth can be seen in woodland, scrub and gardens. It feeds on wild privet, lilac and ash. The adults can sometimes be seen resting on tree trunks and garden fences.

Conservation status in Norfolk

The privet hawk-moth is a resident species and can commonly be seen in parks and gardens wherever the food plant occurs throughout Norfolk.

Click to see the Biodiversity Action Plan Species for this species

How to help

You could plant a pleasantly scented lilac tree in the garden, or perhaps create a privet hedge around your border.

Adopt me today and help ensure my future!

Barry Madden

Information on the Privet Hawkmoth

How to recognise

Apart from being the largest resident hawk moth in the country, the privet hawk-moth has distinctive pink and black barring on the body and hind wings. The forewings are brown, and the head is black with white antennae. Probably more spectacular than the moth though, the caterpillar is luminescent green with lilac and white stripes along the side, and a curved black ‘horn’ at the rear. This horn is typical of all the hawk-moths.

Where to see

The female lays eggs singly on the underside of the host plant leaves and stems. And after 9-20 days, the pale yellow larva hatches. Even at this early stage it has a distinctive dark horn. Larvae rest beneath midrib of leaf, but when fully grown, hang upside down, most likely clinging to stripped shoots, within two metres of the ground.

When to see

They can be seen between June and July.

Did you know?

The larva descends to the ground to spend the winter deep in the soft, loamy soil and may overwinter more than once. The rich, glossy brown pupa rests in a hollowed-out chamber lined with a few strands of silk.

Finding out more

Norfolk Moths

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