Moth for identification

[SteveF48]

I saw this moth on 27th September 2009 7 miles SE of Dover.
This is in the middle of the English Channel, if you were wondering.


Can anyone identify it for me?
It is the largest moth I have ever seen, when I first saw it flying onto the boat I thought that it was a bird, or bat. The ladder has a diameter of about 50mm, so I would guess each wing is 30-35mm long.
Thanks
Steve

[Dogghound]

Its a Convolvulus Hawkmoth Agrius convolvuli these are very impressive and are a migrant species to the UK hence it being in the channel.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Its a Convolvulus Hawkmoth Agrius convolvuli these are very impressive and are a migrant species to the UK hence it being in the channel.

Agree- they are impressive insects. I've only seen 1 in England- what a corker!

[SteveF48]

Thanks for the ID.
My wife brought one home from her field near Deal, Kent three years ago, on 27/9/2006. That makes this my second.