69.004 [B&F: 1972] Convolvulus Hawk-moth Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus, 1758) - Migrant

A fairly common migrant from southern Europe, appearing in the south and east, with occasional major influxes (as in 2003), when breeds in small numbers; scattered records throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, most common on the coast, becoming progressively less common inland. Wingspan 94-120 mm. Larva feeds on Field Bindweed and Hedge Bindweed, and also on Morning Glory in gardens, unable to over-winter in significant numbers.

Record Details

VC10: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, three, 01 Sep (MGT);

VC11: Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, field obs., 07 Sep; Dibden Purlieu, one, 14 Oct (RAC); Waterlooville, one, 20 Sep (DWhe); Northney, Hayling Island, present, 28 Aug; present, 12 Sep; present, 04 Oct (JWP); Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 18 Aug (HengistH det. MJef); Walkford, Christchurch, present, field obs., 19 Sep (CGO); Milford on Sea, present, field obs., 16 Oct (iNat);

VC12: Kimpton Down, one, field obs., recorder was David Hopkins pers comm Nicky Court, 16 Jul (Unkn.); North Waltham, one, 08 Sep (AJon)

69.005 [B&F: 1973] Death's-head Hawk-moth Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758) - Migrant

Rare immigrant from southern Europe, appearing in southern and eastern England, in some years arriving in sufficient numbers to breed in very small numbers. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight much less common than Convolvulus Hawk-moth, although the larvae are reported more often. Wingspan 102-135 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Deadly Nightshade, Woody Nightshade and Potato, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas, unable to over-winter in significant numbers.

Record Details

VC11: Braishfield, larva, one, field obs., 14 Aug (LWin det. VQui); Titchfield Haven NNR, larva, one, field obs., 20 Aug; one, field obs., bred. , 11 Oct (MFug det. EBen); Hengistbury Head, larva, two, field obs., on woody nightshade. , 03 Sep (BKin det. RPH);

VC12: East Stratton, larva, present, field obs., 06 Sep (APS); Ashford Hangers NNR, larva, two, field obs., 28 Aug (SuHan)

Froxfield
28/08/2024
field observation - feeding on potato
Susan Handley
Photo © Susan Handley

69.006 [B&F: 1976] Privet Hawk-moth Sphinx ligustri Linnaeus, 1758 - Common

Common on downland and open woodland, and in hedgerows, gardens and fens throughout southern England. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 100-120 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Wild and Garden Privet, Ash, Lilac and Guelder-rose, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Little Duxmore, 30 May, 0 (HMak) Latest: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 02 Aug, 1 (MGT) Max count: Bonchurch, 15 Jun, 5 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Horndean, 15 May, 1 (PHog) Latest: St Catherine's Hill NNR, Winchester, 23 Aug, 0 (IPow) Max count: Romsey, 08 Jun, 4 (MJB)

VC12: Earliest: Barton Stacey, 11 Jun, 1 (GCE) Latest: North Waltham, 31 Jul, 2 (AJon) Max count: Magdalen Hill Down NR, 23 Jun, 4 (AMD)

69.007 [B&F: 1978] Pine Hawk-moth Sphinx pinastri Linnaeus, 1758 - Local

Local in coniferous woodland, plantations, heathland and gardens throughout much of south-eastern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a species which has spread rapidly since the middle of the 20th Century, but has declined since, although still widespread but never common wherever there are pine trees. Wingspan 72-80 mm. Unmistakable, there are three or four black dashes in disc, and the forewing fringe is chequered. Larva feeds mainly on Scots Pine and Norway Spruce, but also on Maritime Pine and Cedar-of-Lebanon, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Freshwater, 24 Jun, 1 (PBard) Latest: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 02 Aug, 1 (MGT) Max count: Shanklin, 31 Jul, 3 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Brockenhurst, 28 Apr, 1 (PDBk) Latest: Staplewood Hill, Marchwood, 14 Sep, 0 (iNat) Max count: Howen Bottom, NF, 22 Jul, 4 (AMD)

VC12: Earliest: Newtown Common, 26 May, 0 (iNat) Latest: Grayshott, 28 Aug, 1 (THard) Max count: Magdalen Hill Down NR, 23 Jun, 3 (AMD)