Every owner of a privet hedge fears this pest. Here's how to spot the privet hawkmoth and if you should fight it.
There it sits now, the fat caterpillar of the privet hawkmoth (Sphinx ligustri), in the middle of the beautiful privet hedge (Ligustrum). What if she soon looks like a worn-out one boxwood (boxy) after a raid of box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis)? This fear quickly arises in the case of many owners of a magnificent hedge. But why you don't have to panic right away is explained below.
No matter how beautiful a moth looks in the end, it needs food to grow. And that consists of plants. Unfortunately, the animals cannot please anyone. If they have specialized in weeds, they will only find a corner to grow in a few gardens. But if it's the ornamental plants, then it becomes life-threatening immediately if the beloved garden plant suddenly has holes. The privet moth belongs to the second variety. Nevertheless, you do not have to worry about a holey hedge.
Privet hawkmoth: characteristics
The privet hawkmoth is probably the largest native moth. The thick body of the large moth is up to six centimeters long. It is easy to recognize by its pink and black markings on its body. The wings are brown-black. It hatches in June and then lays its eggs on various deciduous trees and also on privet. The caterpillars are very characteristic. They are dressed in bright green. But the most striking are the seven white and purple stripes on the side. At the rear end is the anal horn. This black object looks like a spike, but it is harmless. When fully grown, the caterpillars can reach a size of ten centimetres. They stay on the plant until about September. Then they drop to the ground and pupate before the young moths hatch the next year.
Identify privet hawk moths
The caterpillars of the privet hawkmoth are strikingly colored, but still very easy to miss in the dense bushes. The easiest way is to look under the hedge. The caterpillars, which often only eat at night, leave a lot of faeces behind. Dark crumbs about the size of a pea can then be found under the hedge, which have strange indentations. This is the droppings of the privet hawkmoth caterpillar.
Fight privet hawk moths
If you have discovered the privet hawkmoth on your privet, then there is no reason to panic. The caterpillars do not cause any significant damage because they only appear in low density. On the contrary - the appearance of the caterpillars is even a reason for joy, because the frequency of the large butterfly has steadily decreased in recent years. Simply use the discovery to observe the development of the animals. Consider the moths as a piece of nature in your garden and watch them on their way to adult butterflies.
In this article you will find all information about the privet hedge in the garden.