# Privet hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri) > A large, fast-flying nocturnal moth whose caterpillars feed on privet and related shrubs; adults are strong nectar feeders and active at dusk and night. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/privet-hawk-moth/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Non-toxic.** Privet hawk-moths and their caterpillars are not venomous. Adults do not sting or bite, and the caterpillars are smooth (not hairy) and harmless to handle. Wash hands after handling any wild insect. **Pets:** Not toxic to pets. Large caterpillars might be eaten by curious dogs or cats; they are not known to be poisonous, but eating large quantities of any caterpillar can cause mild stomach upset. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Sphinx ligustri - Also called: Privet sphinx - Order: Lepidoptera (Moths and butterflies) - Family: Sphingidae (Hawk moths) - Size: Wingspan 90-120 mm - Colours: Mottled brown, Grey, Pink, Black, Bright green (larva) - Habitat: Woodland edges, gardens, parks and hedgerows where host shrubs (privet, lilac, ash, etc.) grow - Range: Widespread across Europe and temperate Asia (east to Japan); present where host plants occur - Active: Mainly late spring to late summer depending on region; adults crepuscular and nocturnal (dusk and night) - Lifespan: Adults live for a few weeks (enough time to mate and lay eggs) - Effect on plants: Occasional defoliator - Pest: no ## Overview The privet hawk-moth is one of Europe's largest moth species, notable for its powerful, fast flight and sizeable, heavy-bodied adults. Larvae (caterpillars) are often bright green and conspicuous on leaves of privet and other woody plants. Adults visit deep-throated flowers for nectar and are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, sometimes attracted to light. This species occurs across much of Europe and temperate Asia, and it is well known to gardeners because its caterpillars feed on common ornamental shrubs. Although a single caterpillar can strip foliage locally, the species is not usually a serious agricultural pest. Adults live for a few weeks, focusing on feeding and reproduction. ## How to identify it Adult privet hawk-moths are large and robust with a wingspan typically 90-120 mm. Forewings are mottled brown and grey with a cryptic pattern; hindwings are pink with black bands. The abdomen has alternating pink and black bands along the sides. The head and thorax are stout, and the moth has a long proboscis for reaching nectar. Caterpillars are large, smooth-skinned, bright green with diagonal white-and-lilac stripes along the sides and a curved black-and-yellow horn at the tail end. - Very large moth with wingspan about 90-120 mm; heavy body and rapid flight - Forewings mottled brown-grey; hindwings pink with black bands and pink-and-black banded abdomen - Caterpillars bright green with diagonal pale stripes and a curved tail horn - Adults active at dusk/night and often seen hovering at nectar-rich, deep flowers ## Lookalikes - **Convolvulus hawk-moth** (Agrius convolvuli): Similar size and also has a pink-and-black banded abdomen, but its forewings are greyer and its hindwings are grey with dark bands rather than pink. - **Pine hawk-moth** (Sphinx pinastri): Smaller and plain grey with short black streaks on the forewings; lacks the pink on the hindwings and abdomen. Caterpillars feed on pines. - **Other hawk-moths** (Various Sphingidae): Other large hawk-moths may share general shape, but Sphinx ligustri is distinguished by its very large size, pink-tinged abdomen bands and the caterpillar's bright green colour with diagonal striping and pronounced horn. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Small, spherical eggs are laid singly on the underside of host-plant leaves; incubation lasts about 1-2 weeks depending on temperature. - **Larva (caterpillar):** Green (sometimes other colours) caterpillars feed voraciously on host foliage, growing through several instars and developing the characteristic tail horn. - **Pupa:** Mature larvae burrow into the soil to pupate in an underground chamber, where the pupa overwinters (sometimes for two winters) before the adult emerges. - **Adult (moth):** Adults emerge, feed on nectar with a long proboscis, mate, and the females lay eggs on suitable host plants; adults are primarily nocturnal. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Leaves of privet, lilac, ash and various woody shrubs - Adults eat: Nectar from deep tubular flowers (they hover like hummingbirds to feed) - Predators of the young: Birds, small mammals, parasitic wasps and flies - Predators of adults: Bats, nocturnal birds, and predatory insects ## Effect on plants and gardens Larvae feed on privet (Ligustrum), lilac (Syringa), ash (Fraxinus), and other shrubs and trees; single caterpillars can eat substantial foliage, but populations rarely cause long-term damage to healthy plants. ## Where and when to find it Look for eggs and caterpillars on leaves of privet, lilac, ash and similar shrubs; adults visit nectar flowers at dusk and are attracted to garden lights. - Best time: Late spring to late summer; best observed at dusk and during night for adults, daytime for caterpillars. - Tips: Search host plants for large green caterpillars; photograph adults at dusk near flowering shrubs or use a light sheet to attract flying moths at night (check local regulations and be respectful of wildlife). ## Fun facts - One of the largest resident moths in Britain and among the larger moths of Europe. - Adults can hover in front of flowers and feed like a tiny hummingbird thanks to their long proboscis and strong flight muscles. - Caterpillars are often easy to spot because of their bright green colour and large size. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are privet hawk-moth caterpillars harmful? They are not poisonous to people, but large caterpillars can strip leaves from shrubs. Most damage is cosmetic and plants usually recover. ### Do privet hawk-moths sting or bite? No. Adults do not sting and cannot deliver a medically significant bite. Handle caterpillars gently to avoid minor skin irritation in sensitive people. ### Why is a privet hawk-moth in my garden? Your garden likely has suitable host plants (privet, lilac, ash etc.) or nectar sources; adults visit flowers at dusk and caterpillars feed on shrub foliage. ### How can I get rid of privet hawk-moth caterpillars? For small numbers handpick and relocate or remove; for heavier infestations encourage natural predators or use Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) following label directions. Chemical insecticides are rarely necessary for ornamental shrubs. ### When will I see privet hawk-moths? In most regions adults appear from late spring through summer; they are most active at dusk and during the night and may be attracted to bright lights. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/362591), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphinx_ligustri). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.