hawk moth id

[mart]

i.ibb.co/0CvH24S/hawk-moth-2007.jpg

i.ibb.co/HDKn0BN/underside.jpg

ibb.co/5W1BdGY


Hi I've now retired, and after sorting and cleaning my 1970s butterfly collection I've moved on to the few moths I have, This is one I found below a large floodlight in a garden centre I worked in at Washington, West Sussex. UK.  Its been in the bottom my freezer since 2007, Not very well set as its only the third moth I've set in 50 years, I'm unsure of its Id as moths are not really my thing. (i had thought it could be a willowherb, but I see these are rare) Any help appreciated. 

[Adam Cotton]

mart

Welcome to the ICF. I guess you tried unsuccessfully to post a photo. Please see
collector-secret.proboards.com/thread/11/attach-picture
for relevant information.

Adam.

[mart]

Hope the photo or link works, I have updated it. let me know if not, struggling non-teccy here

[Adam Cotton]

That worked just fine. Nice Sphingid; sorry I cannot help ID it as I am not familiar with UK species. I am sure someone will help.

Adam.

[borearctia]

yes it is a Willowherb Hawk-moth - Proserpinus proserpina a very scarce visitor to the British Isles, with only two records in the last 40 years.

[mart]

Thanks for letting me know, I'm not that up on moths, and wondered if there was a "look alike" type I didn't know about. Its a shame it got knocked about a bit before I set it, but at least it survived. My other half wants to start checking the food in my freezer now, in case any of that is as old as this moth.....
Thanks
Martin Cole

(I also found a privet hawk and Bedstraw hawk the same time, I think I set these a bit better though)


ibb.co/ZN3KzYn

(Edit, I see the bedstraw are not the common either, I must get a floodlight of my own, A benefit of living on the South Coast I think)