8.
13th October in that year. 1976 was also a
good year as there were several reports from
gardens in this area but unfortunately none
from mine.
On one or two occasions in the 1960s
I unearthed large dark red pupae in my vege-
table garden and kept them in a layer of
earth in a large glass jar in which I planted
a stick (this is essential). The following
summer the Moths emerged, climbed up the
stick and we were able to watch its wings
gradually expand and harden before it finally
flew away. These were Privet Hawks, almost
as large as the Death's-head, and their larvae
feed on Privet, Laurustenus and Lilac of
which we have plenty in the garden.
However, it was not until I acquired a
home made moth-trap that I realised how many
of these creatures frequent our gardens. On
numerous occasions this year Hawks have come
to my trap and more often than not I have
had multiple catches. One night in July I
had no less than nine of these creatures -
six Poplar Hawks, two Eyed Hawks and one
Elephant Hawk, and on three separate occasions
I had Privet-Hawks. These are all beautiful
creatures, finely coloured, and if the weather
is not too hot they can be safely taken from
the trap in daylight and will sit in any
convenient place for photographs to be taken.
One can even gently coax them to display
their brightly coloured Underwings. After-
wards they must be returned to the safety of
the trap until dark when they will be ready
to fly away.
I wonder how many Hawk-moths you have
in your garden? If you have Lime trees
nearby you may even get Lime Hawks.
JOHN FIELDING