Sphinx ligustri, the privet hawk moth, is a moth found in most of the Palearctic realm. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.

It has a 12 cm wingspan (generally deflexed at rest), and is found in urban areas, forests and woodlands.
 The male privet hawk moth can make a hissing sound, if disturbed, by rubbing together a set of scales and spines at the end of its abdomen.
 The larvae are usually found between July and August: and bury themselves in the earth when preparing to become a pupa. They then fly in the following June.

Description

As its name describes, the caterpillars feed on privets, as well as ash trees, lilacs, jasmine, and a number of other plants.

Diet

harmful

Sphinx ligustri, commonly known as the Privet Hawkmoth, is considered a tree pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, particularly privet (Ligustrum) trees, causing defoliation and potential damage to the overall health and aesthetics of the trees.

tree pest

Sphinx ligustri, or Privet Hawkmoth, is considered a garden pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various garden plants, including ornamental shrubs and trees, leading to defoliation and potential damage to the overall appearance and health of the garden.

garden pest

Sphinx ligustri can be considered a crop pest because its larvae have been known to feed on the leaves of certain crop plants, such as tomatoes and potatoes, which can result in reduced crop yield and quality.

crop pest

Sphinx ligustri is considered a pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of trees, garden plants, and certain crops, causing defoliation and potential damage to the overall health and productivity of these plants.

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When does privet hawk moth fly?

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