Magnificent Moths.

The moth trap has been yielding very low numbers recently, with perhaps two or three specimens of a couple of species., Heart and Dart and Hebrew Character being the most common. Things picked up a bit last night when two hawk moths were captured.

Private Hawkmoth and Small Elephant Hawkmoth.   Click to enlarge.  Phot. John Elliott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Privat Hawkmoth has a 10cm. wingspan and must be a magnifent sight in flight, but is rarely seen in daylight. As well as both wild and garden Privat the larvae eat Ash leaves and many garden shrubs. The Privat they have to share with twnty three other species of moths.
The Small Elephant Hawkmoth is unmistakeable, being the only small pink and yellowish hawkmoth found in the British Isles. The bedstraws are its favourite foodplants.