69.006 BF1976- Privet Hawk-moth – Sphingidae – Sphinx pinastri
Privet Hawk-moth – Sphingidae – Sphinginae – Sphinx pinastri – colour code •
STATUS – Last recorded 2023 – No records since 1900, until an adult was found in a garden in Long Eaton 2014. Further casual records continued until this one appeared in a garden in Sandiacre June 2017. A second specimen on 8th July 2017 trapped in same Sandiacre garden. Small population in this area. The Privet Hawk-moth was thought to be extinct in the county, but is now being trapped with more regularity in recent years, especially in the south and central areas of the county, but still very localised.
ID POINTERS – A very large moth, that is unmistakable. The forewings are dark chocolate brown, with a pale clouded appearance on the leading edge. Black & pink abdomen and blackish thorax.
FLIGHT PERIOD – Usually found during June & July
IMAGES – Sandiacre, Derbyshire – July 1st 2023 – Tony Davison© – Sandiacre, Derbyshire – Image by Ian Viles©