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Moth Survey 1976-2016
Privet Hawkmoth
Sphinx ligustri Wingspan f 80mm
Formerly (1940-1970) very common in early summer, wherever privet (ligustri) was planted as a garden hedgerow barrier, which was the practice of local councils around London. Imago was subject to a degree of melanism, but picture above typical.
Habit: flies very swiftly, often to light, sedentary during the day.
Single brooded: Over winters as a pupa in soft soil around the the host plant. Bright green larvae often found wandering on or around host plant in search of a suitable place to burrow down. Can be bred indoors from eggs.
Larval foodplant: locally, on privet, lilac, and ash trees.
Status: not under threat, but much less common than formerly
Emergence times for moths and butterflies is a simple climate change monitor that you can be involved in. Please email your records and images to me and they will be considered for inclusion in the butterfly survey. This is open to individuals or teachers and schools. Click here or email info@nature-photo.co.uk
By Rodney Compton