Privet Hawk-moth

Sphinx ligustri
Family

Sphingidae

Species Codes

B&F 1976 RES 69.006

Quick Links

DistributionPhenologyReporting RatePhotos

Species Account

Common and widespread throughout Kent, this large and conspicuous moth flies between May and August. It is the largest resident moth in the UK and is highly distinctive with only Convolvulus Hawk-moth and Pine Hawk-moth bearing any similarities (although an American species caught in Somerset in 1965, the Wild Cherry Sphinx, is very similar indeed, it is highly unlikely to occur in the UK).

Privet Hawk-moth is a mostly brown and pale moth with a dark/black head and thorax with pink-striped hindwings and abdomen.

Record Verification

Grade 1 adults are generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species, but records outside documented range or flight period may require photos.

Distribution Map

The map below shows all records of Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri) in the Kent database. If you've got a dot to add, please submit your records to us. Use the control below to filter by time span:

Phenology

The graph below shows at which time of the year Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri) can be expected to be recorded in Kent. Use the controls below to filter by VC and time span:

Reporting Rate

The graph below shows how the number of records of Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri) submitted each year has changed over time. Use the control below to filter by VC:

Photo Gallery

Below is a selection of Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri) images from Kent. If you would like to contribute any photographs, please email mothsinkent@gmail.com. Click on a photo if you would like to see it larger.

External Links

For more information and images of Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri), please take can be seen on the external pages listed below: