Pine Hawk-moth

Thinly distributed across Kent, this attractive moth is most likely to be encountered where the foodplant (Pines of course! - mostly Scots Pine, but not exclusively) is found. As with most Hawk-moths, it is fairly easy to ID, with black markings on the forewings and a black stripe either side of the head being diagnostic.

Death's-head Hawk-moth

A much sought after migrant species which could be trapped (or more likely found) anywhere in Kent.  However, as with all  migrant (you know what I mean - moths that get displaced on the wind and airflow rather than performing annual migration like birds) species, this moth is most likely to be encountered along the coast ,with historic trends building up around Dungeness, Sandwich and Ramsgate. This is however probably more down to regular traps being run than a specific arrival location on the coast.  This scarce migrant is also often found by non-mothing folk such as horticulturists and apiarists.

he larvae feed primarily on potato whilst the adult will often enter beehives to feed on the honey without being stung by the bees.  This species can be found as an adult any time from July to November.

Privet Hawk-moth

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 <a href="https://kent-moths.vercel.app/species/agrius-convolvuli">Convolvulus Hawk-moth</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://kent-moths.vercel.app/species/sphinx-pinastri">Pine Hawk-moth</a> 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.

Kent Moth Group

Privet Hawk-moth

Sphinx ligustri

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