Privet Hawk Moth in mid sept

timmeroo · #1 (**permalink**) 19-09-2010, 09:11 AM

It is now mid Sept, getting colder and raining, and we have encountered what I think is a Privet Hawk Moth larvae/caterpillar. Thus far (yesterday eve and this morn), it seems to be in a defence mode; hanging on by its hind feet and leaning out away from the branch it is on, though it has moved 90 degrees overnight!
Isn't it getting a bit late for these chaps to be about?
What is their cycle - similar to the Ellie Hawk Moth? (we also had one of those a month back - since vamooshed).
Will this head for the undergrowth or weave its cocoon into the branches of its chosen parlour?
Thanks in advance for any inputs
Tim

triops · #2 (**permalink**) 19-09-2010, 10:11 AM

This is the normal resting position. I'ts not really late, but towards the end of the season for Privet Hawk caterpillars. It will soon descend and burrow several inches into the soil to spend the winter as a pupa, emerging in late spring/early summer as an adult. I hope you feel privileged to see such a spectacular animal in your garden!

timmeroo · #3 (**permalink**) 19-09-2010, 11:07 PM

Indeed I do, as with the EHM. Some yrs ago I also witnessed i think were 2 Eyed hawk moths on our shiplap barn frontage, tail to tail as it were.

timmeroo · #4 (**permalink**) 23-09-2010, 11:36 PM

well he's still there chomping away on whatever privet looking shrub it is. Come rain or shine there 'ee be!

Lance Morgan · #5 (**permalink**) 24-09-2010, 08:12 PM

Could be wild privet (ligustrum vulgare) small oval leaves with black berries white flowers in spring, they prefer it to the garden hedge variety L. ovifolium. They will also eat Lilac (syringa) which in (IMO) they prefer in captivity.