The Privet Hawkmoth is the largest native moth species in England and can be found in woodlands and in wetland with grassy vegetations. Sometimes it can be seen resting on fences and tree trunks in gardens around June to July.

The Privet Hawkmoth has a black head with two white antennae and an abdomen that is pink with black stripes running across it. The hindwings also have pink and black stripes, but they are often concealed by the forewings which are usually a light pink-brown colour with black lines.

Female Privet Hawkmoths lay their eggs on privets and the eggs hatch around July and August. A bright green caterpillar with lilac and white stripes on the sides of its body emerges out of each egg. It also has a white black-bordered face and a curved black horn at the rear of its body. After approximately four weeks, the caterpillar starts to turn brown and this is when it burrows under topsoil where it creates a loosely woven cocoon around itself. It hibernates under the soil until the following summer and then transforms itself into a beautiful Privet Hawkmoth.