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ANIMAL SPECIES:Privet Hawk Moth

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The Privet Hawk Moth is a large, dull grey moth whose green caterpillars feed on Privet.

Identification

The caterpillars of the Privet Hawk Moth are green with diagonal white stripes and have a horn present on the end of their tail. This horn looks dangerous, but is quite harmless.

Size range

12 cm wingspan

Distribution

The Privet Hawk Moth is found in eastern and northern Australia.

Habitat

The Privet Hawk Moth lives in urban areas, forests and woodlands.

Behaviour and adaptations

Feeding and Diet

The caterpillars of the Privet Hawk Moth are commonly seen in Sydney feeding on privet. They also eat jasmine and a number of other plants.

Other behaviours and adaptations

When disturbed, male Privet Hawk Moths may make a hissing sound by rubbing together a specialised set of scales and spines at the end of the abdomen.

Classification

Species:
menephron
Genus:
Psilogramma
Subfamily:
Sphinginae
Family:
Sphingidae
Superfamily:
Sphingoidea
Order:
Lepidoptera
Class:
Insecta
Subphylum:
Uniramia
Phylum:
Arthopoda
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?


Last Updated: 14 October 2009

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Privet Hawk Moth

Privet Hawk Moth View full size
R.Jessop © Australian Museum

Privet Hawk Moth caterpillar

Privet Hawk Moth caterpillar View full size
Matthew Bulbert © Matthew Bulbert

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