Sent when ready from September (2012). The privet hawk is the largest and most magnificent of our native sphinigade. Its larvae feed on privet, lilac and ash and are easy to rear through to pupation in ventilated cages placed in cool out-houses. Ensure you have a good supply of food as the larvae will consume large quantities in the final instar. Pairing is easily achieved and eggs are easily obtained without a nectar supply, but ligustri will feed. Large, attractive and fascinating in all its stages this is another UK sphinigade that is fun to rear and release. Highly recommended for schools and beginners.
Larval foodplants: privet (ligustri), lilac (syringia).
Rearing: plastic boxes, cages and sleeves.
Photographs: egg x 20 magnification; 4th instar larvae; 5th instar larvae.
