A rare immigrant from open woodland in southern Europe or even northern Africa. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight occurs almost annually in ones and twos, however in 1949 it appeared in unprecedented numbers. Wingspan 78-90 mm. Very similar to White-lined Hawk-moth H. lineata, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Willowherb and Bedstraw, unable to over-winter in significant numbers.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records Very occasional Irregular Uncommon Off-peak, but not unusual Off-peak, but not unusual Main flight time