Wingspan 40 to 45 mm. Slightly smaller but even more brightly-coloured than its cousin the Elephant Hawk-moth (D. elpenor).

It prefers chalky districts and dry grassy localities but is found in a range of habitats.

May to July.

The larvae, which are similar to those of D. elpenor, feed mostly on Bedstraw.

Locally distributed but occurs widely in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).