Privet Hawk Moth (Sphinx ligustri)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Sphinx (after the mythical being) ligustri ("privet")

Adult Privet Hawk Moth (Sphinx ligustri) at Geddington, July 2020

Featured Subspecies: ? 
Weight: ?  /  Length: 8.5cm  /  Wingspan: 12cm
UK STATUS NOT EVALUATED/ IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A large and distinctive moth which despite the name, also feeds upon ash, lilacs and jasmine as a caterpillar. They are a reasonably common visitor to gardens, where they are one of the largest insects likely to be encountered.

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Genus: Sphinx
SUBSPECIES: ?

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A fairly common resident in the South.

 - Seen in Geddington (July 2020),

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor)

OTHER NAMES: Large Elephant Hawk-moth
Latin Etymology: Deilephila (?) elpenor (name from Greek myth)

Adult female Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor) at Geddington - June 2020

Featured Subspecies: Deilephila elpenor elpenor
Weight: ?  /  Length: ?  /  Wingspan: 6-7cm
UK STATUS NOT EVALUATED/ IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

An unusual example of a species named after the appearance of it's immature form; in this case that it's caterpillar is said to resemble an elephant's trunk. In their adult form, the Elephant Hawk Moth is one of the larger moths in Europe and has some fascinating adaptations; they have superb eyesight, including the ability to see colour at night and are capable of hovering. Thanks to Di for showing me this individual from her moth trap!

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Genus: Deilephila
SUBSPECIES: D. e. elpenor, D. e. macromera

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A reasonably widely spread resident.

 - Seen in Geddington (July 2020),

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .