Photo © David G Green

Privet Hawk-moth

Sphinx ligustri

Checklist Number
69.006 [B&F: 1976]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Sphingidae
Subfamily:Sphinginae
Genus:Sphinx
Species:ligustri
Authority:Linnaeus, 1758

Common on downland and open woodland, and in hedgerows, gardens and fens throughout southern England. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 100-120 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Wild and Garden Privet, Ash, Lilac and Guelder-rose, over-wintering as a pupa.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)