- Lifespan
- 4–6 weeks as adults in the wild
- Size & Weight
- Wingspan 100–120 mm; body length 45–55 mm
- Habitat
- Gardens, parks, and woodland edges with mature privet hedges and other suitable larval foodplants.
- UK Distribution
- South and central England, becoming scarcer northwards; primarily resident but occasional immigrants from continental Europe boost populations in late summer.
- Diet
- Adults feed on nectar from flowers, particularly honeysuckle and other tubular blooms, using their long proboscis.
- Predators
- Birds, spiders, and parasitoid wasps targeting larvae and pupae
- Mating Season
- June to August
- Breeding
- Females lay eggs singly or in small batches on privet and related plants; larvae are solitary and fully grown within 3–4 weeks; pupation occurs in soil chambers overwinter, producing one generation per year.
- Behaviour
- Nocturnal and strongly attracted to light sources. Males can be observed patrolling for females at dusk in suitable habitat. The larvae are cryptic and well-camouaged, relying on their size to deter predators rather than speed.