[John J]

While wandering around the garden this evening I came across this fellow sitting on my Viburnum suspensum bush. The photo is not as clear as I would like but the light was fading and I couldn't use flash. Over to you, Mike?

[oron peri]

John
It is Daphnis nerii, Oleander Hawk - moth.
Quite common in the Mediterranean, caterpillers feed mainly on Nerium oleander but also on Tabernaemontana, Vinca and other species.

[John J]

Thanks for that, Oron. We have several oleanders scattered around the property but I have never noticed caterpillers on any of them. Strangely enough the Viburnum that this fellow is resting on is planted next to a Tabernaemontana. I'll have to inspect it for eggs and keep an eye out for any activity!

[Umbrian]

Hawkmoths are generally beautiful but this one must take the prize for both colour and intricate patterning. Another favourite of mine is the Elephant Hawkmoth the colour of which is stunning. Thanks for the 'photo John

[Alisdair]

John's hawk moth is amazing - and a wonderful image of how well nature's really vivid colouring and patterns can create camouflage that's so much more effective than the drab "mimicry" colours traditionally used in artificial military camouflage.