Please help uk newbie identify moth

[Andrew Stagg]

Andy,

Given that the caterpillars have horns on their tails, it is most probably a
hawkmoth of some description.
A couple of pointers - either about the caterpillars or the moth should
finalise the identification:

If you can remember the moth - did it have a darker (blackish) thorax?

If not have the caterpillars got black horns?

Any further descriptions of the caterpillars (feint white stripes down the
side) etc would be good.

Judging by the size I am currently guessing at Privet Hawk moth, but it
could also be a number of others. At present try putting the following (if
you can into a plastic box with the caterpillars:

Privet
Poplar or Willow
Convolvulous (bindweed)
Apple
Pine

This covers all of the major brown/grey UK hawkmoths.

Let me know if you have any success

Andrew Stagg


 
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