Seathorn Hawk-moth

Hyles hippophaes

Checklist Number
69.0142 [B&F: 1989]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Sphingidae
Subfamily:Macroglossinae
Genus:Hyles
Species:hippophaes
Authority:(Esper, 1793)

Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) to the south coast of England from southern Europe, two larvae of this normally sedentary species were found on 20 August 1954 feeding on Common Toadflax at Thurlestone on the South Devon coast. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 68-72 mm. Larva feeds on Sea Buckthorn; no evidence of breeding in the UK.