Privet Hawk Moth.

                                            Privet Hawk Moth                    Photo. John Elliott

The first of the Hawk Moths to come to my UV light trap this year, the Privet Hawk Moth has
 a 10 cm. wing span, slightly more than that of a House Sparrow. It normally perches with the upper wings closed showing only the rather drab browny patches, but when preparing for flight it reveals a bright pattern of pink and black stripes on the underwing. Other species regularly caught at the moment include Hebrew Character, Treble Lines, White Ermine, Muslin Moth, Buff Tip, Dark Arches, Heart and Dart, and, a first for Martinstown, a Streamer.