69.006 BF1976
– Privet Hawk-moth – Sphinx ligustri
Adult Macro:
CAT 1
– Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –
– click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
– click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
– Uncommon / Scarce
– easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: A very large moth, that is unmistakable. The forewings are dark chocolate brown, with a pale clouded appearance on the leading edge. Black & pink abdomen and blackish thorax.
Distribution:
No records since 1900, until an adult was found in a garden in Long Eaton 2014. Further casual records continued until this one appeared in a garden in Sandiacre June 2017. A second specimen on 8th July 2017 trapped in same Sandiacre garden. Small population in this area. The Privet Hawk-moth was thought to be extinct in the county, but is now being trapped with more regularity in recent years, especially in the south and central areas of the county, but still very localised.
General Comment: None
*** Last updated on 21 June 2026 by TD ***
Last Recorded Year: 2026
First Recorded Year: 1800
Last Recorded By – Tony Davison
Last Recorded General Area – Melbourne
Possible Future Content
Images of Interest
Image Gallery
Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1900 - 2026) | Immatures: (between 2011 - 2023)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
This chart summarises all available historical occurrence records collated by ISO week of the year. It reflects recorder effort and sampling distribution as well as true biological activity, and should be interpreted as an indicative pattern of seasonal occurrence rather than a statistically controlled abundance or phenology model.
Changes in First and Last Recorded Activity Dates Over Time
Activity Data Range:
1900 –
2026
Earliest Appearance:
15th May (in 2021)
Latest Appearance:
15th September (in 2019)
This chart presents a time-series summary of recorded observations. It is based on available records at the time of analysis and will evolve as further data are added. The five-year moving average provides a smoothed representation of variation in recorded adult and immature activity over time, helping to illustrate longer-term trends in the earliest and latest recorded dates.
Annual record totals are shown for context; years with fewer records may provide a less complete representation of activity than years with higher recording intensity. Interpretation should consider that apparent trends may reflect both biological change and variation in recording effort.
Note: Clicking either the Adult Range.... or Immature Range... legends allows you to hide them, to show more discrete data.
Distribution Map for Sphinx ligustri
Found 124 records
↳ 27 from 2026+
↳ 63 from 2020 - 2025
↳ 34 from Before 2020
↳ 27 from 2026+
↳ 63 from 2020 - 2025
↳ 34 from Before 2020
If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.
Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.
NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Sphinx ligustri
⚠️ Please wait for the map to load fully – do not click the link shown.
Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however,
the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.
Monthly Records By Year:
Sphinx ligustri
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Monthly Counts By Year:
Sphinx ligustri
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )
First/Last Recorded Dates: Sphinx ligustri
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]
Shading shows moth presence between dates
Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required
Recordings By Year: Sphinx ligustri
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Sphinx ligustri
AGR: 1.32% | Total % Change: 40.7%
Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Sphinx ligustri
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Sphinx ligustri
Sphinx ligustri
Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.
Records Behind the Map and Charts - Sphinx ligustri – 124 records available
Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns
| Site Name | Tetrad | Date | Count | Stage | Recorder | Source | RecordKey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stonebroom. | SK45E | 16/07/2026 | 1 | adult | Bradley, Jonathan | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC55415368 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 09/07/2026 | 1 | adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56630577 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 02/07/2026 | 2 | adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56630372 |
| Long Eaton garden | SK43W | 02/07/2026 | 1 | adult | Richardson Longmoor, Claire | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56630335 |
| Chaddesden, Derby | SK33T | 30/06/2026 | 2 | adult | Roome, Martin | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC54217754 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 30/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56630304 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 28/06/2026 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC54135224 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 23/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53942749 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 23/06/2026 | 4 | adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56630023 |
| Darwin Forest | SK26X | 21/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Evans, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53897317 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 21/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56629917 |
| Melbourne | SK32X | 20/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Davison, Tony | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53847276 |
| Aston-on-Trent, Derbyshire | SK43A | 20/06/2026 | 4 | adult | Waldron, Robert | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53820577 |
| Sandiacre, Derbyshire | SK43T | 20/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Wood, Ann | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53869121 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 19/06/2026 | 3 | adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56629800 |
| Darwin Forest | SK26X | 16/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Evans, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53714692 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 15/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53628934 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 14/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56629597 |
| Findern, Derbyshire | SK33A | 12/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Hallam, Brian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53609061 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 12/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56629543 |
| Chaddesden Wood | SK33Z | 06/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Charles, Nick | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53164697 |
| Chellaston | SK33V | 02/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Pittam, Richard | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53105140 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 02/06/2026 | 1 | adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC56629481 |
| upper cromford garden | SK25Y | 31/05/2026 | 1 | adult | Ashton, Clive | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC52968672 |
| upper cromford garden | SK25Y | 30/05/2026 | 1 | adult | Ashton, Clive | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC52927107 |
| Belper | SK34U | 30/05/2026 | 1 | adult | Evans, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC52902245 |
| Sheffield | SK38M | 25/05/2026 | 1 | adult | Turner, Jan | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC53000845 |
| Findern, Derbyshire | SK33A | 30/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Hallam, Brian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC42918827 |
| Findern, Derbyshire | SK33A | 27/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Hallam, Brian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC42751781 |
| Findern, Derbyshire | SK33A | 25/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Hallam, Brian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC42709525 |
| NGLong Eaton | SK43R | 21/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Braddock, Archie | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC50383957 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 20/06/2025 | 3 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48390954 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43T | 20/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Milnes, Emily | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC51068972 |
| Chaddesden, Derby | SK33T | 19/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Roome, Martin | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43881876 |
| NGLong Eaton | SK43R | 17/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Braddock, Archie | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC50383950 |
| NGLong Eaton | SK43R | 15/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Braddock, Archie | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC50383946 |
| NGLong Eaton | SK43R | 14/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Braddock, Archie | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC50383935 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 12/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC42597065 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43T | 12/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Milnes, Emily | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC49528959 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 06/06/2025 | 3 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48390808 |
| DWT Wyver Lane | SK35K | 03/06/2025 | 1 | Adult | Evans, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC42046006 |
| Stonebroom | SK45E | 19/07/2024 | 1 | Adult | Bradley, Jonathan | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC37224836 |
| Sandiacre | SK43S | 14/07/2024 | 1 | Adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC37065588 |
| Sandiacre garden | SK43S | 14/07/2024 | 1 | Adult | Butler, Anne | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC37764283 |
| Stonebroom | SK45E | 08/07/2024 | 1 | Adult | Bradley, Jonathan | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36905109 |
| Sandiacre | SK43S | 02/07/2024 | 1 | Adult | Buxton, Paul | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC36986058 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43S | 24/06/2024 | 1 | Adult | Butler, Anne | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC37764245 |
| Sandiacre Garden | SK43T | 08/06/2024 | 1 | Adult | Milnes, Emily | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC39165631 |
| Forbes Hole LNR | SK43W | 10/08/2023 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC32530928 |
| Glapwell | SK46T | 10/08/2023 | 1 | larva | Penson, Melanie | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC32305285 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 21/07/2023 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33496789 |
| Findern Garden | SK33A | 07/07/2023 | 1 | Adult | Hallam, Brian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34637569 |
| Sandiacre | SK43T | 01/07/2023 | 1 | Adult | Milnes, Emily | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34402500 |
| Wensleydale Road, Long Eaton | SK43R | 17/06/2023 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC30940144 |
| Marlborough Road, Long Eaton, Derbys | SK43X | 10/06/2023 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC30795159 |
| Long Eaton - Marlborough Road | SK43X | 10/06/2023 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34621299 |
| Church Lane, Sheffield, England, GB | SK38A | 09/06/2023 | 1 | Adult | anitacampb | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC30777104 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 16/07/2022 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27846151 |
| Long Eaton - Marlborough Road | SK43X | 08/07/2022 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34621300 |
| Long Eaton | SK43W | 03/07/2022 | 1 | Adult | Warren, Sarah | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC26648834 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 01/07/2022 | 2 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27845984 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 25/06/2022 | 2 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27845946 |
| Staveveley Derbyshire | SK47H | 20/06/2022 | 1 | Adult | Morris, Sid | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC25913884 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 17/06/2022 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27845890 |
| Sandiacre, Longmoor Lane | SK43T | 17/06/2022 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC25863810 |
| Long Eaton , Wensleydale Road | SK43R | 16/06/2022 | 3 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC25833584 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 15/06/2022 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27845816 |
| Sandiacre | SK43T | 15/06/2022 | 1 | Adult | Milnes, Emily | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC35176729 |
| Sandiacre | SK43T | 14/06/2022 | 1 | Adult | Milnes, Emily | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC35176559 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 12/06/2022 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27845773 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 28/05/2022 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27845644 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 19/07/2021 | 2 | Adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34960568 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 14/07/2021 | 1 | Adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34960556 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 14/07/2021 | 1 | Adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46668846 |
| Not given | SK43W | 09/07/2021 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC20963054 |
| Long Eaton - Marlborough Road | SK43X | 03/07/2021 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34621301 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 02/07/2021 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33498601 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 15/06/2021 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33498429 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 11/06/2021 | 3 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33498367 |
| Long Eaton - Marlborough Road | SK43X | 05/06/2021 | 2 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34621302 |
| Long Eaton - Marlborough Road | SK43X | 21/05/2021 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34621303 |
| Elgar Drive, Sawley, Long Eaton | SK43R | 15/05/2021 | 1 | adult | BRADDOCK, Mr A. | Danes_2019-2021 | 230 |
| Vanguard Rd, Long Eaton | SK43W | 13/07/2020 | 1 | adult | MAKIN, Mrs K. | Danes_2019-2021 | 560 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 30/06/2020 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33501327 |
| Long Eaton - Marlborough Road | SK43X | 19/06/2020 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34621304 |
| Elgar Drive, Sawley, Long Eaton | SK43R | 10/06/2020 | 2 | adult | BRADDOCK, Mr A. | Danes_2019-2021 | 694 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 08/06/2020 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33500938 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 02/06/2020 | 3 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33500883 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 30/05/2020 | 3 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33500808 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 25/05/2020 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33500743 |
| Risley Rd, Risley | SK43S | 15/09/2019 | 1 | larva | FARRELL, Mrs M. | Danes_2019-2021 | 927 |
| Ennerdale Road, Long Eaton | SK43S | 21/08/2019 | 1 | Larva | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC11544048 |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 21/07/2019 | 1 | Adult | B.J.N. Hill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP338 |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 09/07/2019 | 1 | Adult | B.J.N. Hill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP0IZ |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 07/07/2019 | 1 | Adult | B.J.N. Hill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP0I9 |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 05/07/2019 | 1 | Adult | B.J.N. Hill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP32H |
| Back Lane, Glapwell | SK46T | 01/07/2019 | 1 | adult | CULPIN, Mr J. | Danes_2019-2021 | 1510 |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 30/06/2019 | 2 | Adult | B.J.N. Hill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP0HE |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 30/06/2019 | 2 | adult | HILL, Mr B.J.N. | Danes_2019-2021 | 1511 |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 23/06/2019 | 1 | Adult | B.J.N. Hill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP30O |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 23/06/2019 | 1 | adult | HILL, Mr B.J.N. | Danes_2019-2021 | 1562 |
| Briar Close, Newhall, Swadlincote | SK22V | 05/06/2019 | 1 | adult | PEACH, Mr K. | Danes_2019-2021 | 1590 |
| Long Eaton - Marlborough Road | SK43X | 14/06/2018 | 2 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34621305 |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 10/06/2017 | 1 | Adult | B.J.N. Hill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WQJT6 |
| Long Eaton Gravel Pits | SK53A | 13/06/2016 | 1 | Adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33504565 |
| Long Eaton | SK53A | 13/06/2016 | 1 | Adult | P. Buxton;S. Browne | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPPSZ |
| Long Eaton - Marlborough Road | SK43X | 27/06/2014 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34621306 |
| Marlborough Rd,Long Eaton | SK43X | 27/06/2014 | 1 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WQ8AS |
| Marlborough Rd, Long Eaton | SK43X | 24/08/2013 | 1 | Larvae | Bryce, Marion | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPSK1 |
| Norton Park Crescent, Norton, Sheffield | SK38K | 14/09/2011 | 1 | Pupae | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OJTM9 |
| Poolsbrook, Staveley (site not precise) | SK47G | 08/06/2000 | 1 | Adult | S. Hooke | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPGYN |
| Sandcliffe Rd, Midway, Swadlincote | SK32A | 01/01/1974 | 1 | Larvae | [VC57 Recorder] | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001TAGC3 |
| Poolsbrook, Staveley (site not precise) | SK47G | 08/06/1900 | 1 | Adult | S. Hooke | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OHD29 |
| Mickleover, Derby (site not precise) | SK33C | 01/01/1890 | 1 | Adult | R.C. Bindley | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPZ9O |
| Stapenhill, Burton on Trent | SK22K | 01/01/1885 | 1 | Larvae | [VC57 Recorder] | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001TAG9M |
| Stapenhill, Burton on Trent | SK22K | 01/01/1885 | 1 | Larvae | C.F. Thornewill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WP37K |
| Findern, Derby (site not precise) | SK33A | 01/01/1885 | 1 | Adult | [VC57 Recorder] | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001TAGFI |
| Findern, Derby (site not precise) | SK33A | 01/01/1885 | 1 | Adult | G.A. Smallwood | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPQ3U |
| Repton (site not precise) | SK32B | 01/01/1878 | 1 | Adult | F.M. Spilsbury | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPZ81 |
| Burton on Trent area (site not precise) | SK22K | 01/01/1863 | 1 | Adult | [VC57 Recorder] | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001TAG9N |
| Derby (site not precise) | SK33L | 01/01/1829 | 1 | Adult | S. Glover | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001WPU2G |
| Repton (site not precise) | SK32B | 01/01/1800 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OJYHY |
| Mickleover, Derby (site not precise) | SK33C | 01/01/1800 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OKCN4 |
| Derby (site not precise) | SK33L | 01/01/1800 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001OLFF5 |