Need help IDing a moth, please!

[tantopat]

I saw a rather huge moth outside my window late last night, and I can't find any other type of moth like it online. I was wondering if anyone here could help me identify it. I drew what I could remember of it, but I'm not sure how accurate my drawing is. It's here, anyway: http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...topat/moth.jpg (It was actually quite a bit bigger than the picture makes out, and I'd estimate its wingspan as between 3 and 4 inches, from what I can recall. It was big enough that I mistook it for a small bat at first.) I did also try and take a photo of it, but as it was moving so much the photo turned out to be incredibly blurred. I'll post a link if anyone wants to see it anyway, though.

Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

[James M]

Possibly a Garden Tiger Moth? Garden Tiger Arctia caja - UKMoths

[tantopat]

I wondered about that, but it definitely had a larger wingspan. Also, the patterns on its wings were distinct bands, and I think there was only red on its body, or right at the base of its wings.

[htcdude]

Jersey Tiger?

or Cream-spot Tiger?
The Magpie?

Nige

[tantopat]

I don't think it was any of those, either. The wings seemed to be more pale than black, and the stripes/bands on its wings were almost completely straight and didn't join up or form any different patterns at all. It had a very thick, fat body as well, if that's any help to anyone. I just wish I could remember the rest of the moth as well as I remember the wings... ;^^

[Anders152]

What about a hawkmoth of some sort, maybe a striped hawkmoth? Would explain the size.

[Anders152]

Poplar hawk moths have stripes and red bits on the underwings. And they are as huge as you describe!