We found this giant moth (2.5 inches/6.4 cm) on a utility pole outside our house today. Sadly it looked as if it were on its way out, but it was still the largest moth I've ever seen in England. Does anyone know what genera/species it is?
Hi, it is a (very old - you are right about it being on its way out!) privet hawk moth. Here is some info http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1976 You will most likely have some privet plants growing locally as, as the name hints, that is the food source for this moth. Hawk moths are generally massive moths and are very pretty. Off the top of my head, Elephant hawk moths (http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1991) are the most colourful.
Ah, thank you! Yes, we do have a privet hedge nearby. I have only ever seen one other hawk moth, and that was in Norfolk when we found one in a bucket of suet balls.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2012-08-05 08:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-08-05 09:14 pm (UTC)