PRIVET HAWK MOTH

Common habitat: Parks and gardens - ash woodland.
Found in gardens on privet and lilac bushes. These shrubs are related to the ash - the caterpillar's woodland food supply. The adult moths emerge in June having spent winter underground as pupae. Eggs - laid on the backs of leaves - hatch into large bright green - purple-striped caterpillars. When threatened the caterpillars assume a hostile position. Observation hint: Pink and black striped moths fly at night. Caterpillars have a black horn.