Privet Hawk-moth Sphinx ligustri Wingspan 100mm. A large and stunning moth. Usually rests with its wing held in a tent-like manner over the body but spreads wings when agitated. Adult has forewings that are brown and marked with darker lines and patches, the pattern recalling tree bark. If alarmed it exposes the pink-striped abdomen and pale pink stripes on the hindwing. Flies June–July. Larva is bright green with purple and white diagonal stripes and a dark-tipped 'horn' at the tail end. The head is pale, ringed with black. Larva feeds on Privet and Lilac. Widespread and common in central and southern Britain.
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