Photo © Keith Tailby
Willowherb Hawk-moth
Proserpinus proserpina
Checklist Number69.012 [B&F: 1984a]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Classification
| Family: | Sphingidae |
| Subfamily: | Macroglossinae |
| Genus: | Proserpinus |
| Species: | proserpina |
| Authority: | (Pallas, 1772) |
Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) from southern Europe, appearing in southern England. First recorded in Britain in East Sussex in May 1985, with a second in London in July 1995. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 48-54 mm. Unmistakable: the orange-yellow hindwing precludes confusion with Lime Hawk-moth Mimas tiliae. Larva feeds on Rosebay Willowherb, Broad-leaved Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Hoary Willowherb, Common Evening-primrose and Purple Loosestrife, no evidence of breeding in the UK.
