Wingspan 65-90 mm. Probably the commonest of our hawk-moths, it has a strange attitude when at rest, with the hindwings held forward of the forewings and the abdomen curved upwards at the rear. If disturbed it can flash the hindwings, which have a contrasting rufous patch, normally hidden. There is an uncommon buff-coloured form which is more frequent in females.

Indicator Species - Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Parkland, gardens, fens, woodland, heathland and moorland.

The adults are on the wing from May to July, when it is a frequent visitor to light.

The green larvae feed on Poplar, Aspen and Willow. The larva's spike is plae greeny-yellow, sometimes with a red tinge at the base.

Distributed commonly throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Quite common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)