Morley's Final Catalogue: The species is periodical and sometimes common during September and late August, just like the above M. stellatarum though it flies to flowers at dusk and not by day; it is regarded as usually migrating from the continent for no very apparent reason, while the latter hawk is cuddled as indigenous. An interesting point emphasised by our records is the small proportion of coast localities, which hardly supports the immigrant theory.

Recent Suffolk Status: A regular migrant species arriving most years in varying numbers. Occasionally breeds. Planting of Nicotiana to attract this moth has produced more records in recent years.

Life history: Normally arrives in the county from late summer throughout the autumn. Larvae sometimes found, normally when wandering off the foodplant looking for a site to pupate. Can be either green or blackish in colour.

Identification: Similar to Privet hawk but grey in colour with plainer patterned forewings.

Habitats: As an immigrant species can turn up anywhere but most sightings near the coast.

Recorded in 43 (74%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1847. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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