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Helpston's wildlife

Hawk moths

The sight of a privet hawk moth caught in a moth trap (all moths are released and suffer no harm) never ceases to create both surprise and awe. These are seriously big moths, fitting neatly into the palm of an adult hand.

The privet hawk moth bears the scientific name Spinx after the way it rests with its wings closed over its body, like the winged monster in Greek mythology. The caterpillar burrows into the ground to form a chrysalis nearly 6 inches into the soil, where it may remain dormant for up to two years.

Four species of hawk moths are resident around Helpston - privet, poplar, elephant and pine. The caterpillar of the striking elephant hawk moth can retract its head into its body when threatened, causing the front of the body to swell up like an elephant.

In some years, these resident hawk moths are joined by the migratory hummingbird hawk moth. The hot summer of 2003 produced many records of these wonderful moths in gardens around the village. Like the hummingbird it feeds by inserting its long tongue deep into flowers. It seems to particularly like red flowers, such as valerian.