69.012 BF1984a

Willowherb Hawk-moth Proserpinus proserpina

(Pallas, 1772)

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Wingspan 37-42 mm.

A very scarce visitor to the British Isles, with only two records - one attracted to light in East Sussex in May 1985 and a second found in the docks of East London in July 1995.

On the continent it occurs rather sparsely throughout southern Europe east to Asia.

Occupying lowland habitats, the foodplants are evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) as well as willowherb (Epilobium). The caterpillar has not been found in Britain.