Sphinx ligustri, known as the privet hawk moth, is a species of moth found in most of the Palearctic ecozone.

It has a 12 centimetres (4.7 in) wingspan (generally deflexed at rest), and is found in urban areas, forests and woodlands.

The male privet hawk-moth can make a hissing sound, if disturbed, by rubbing together a set of scales and spines at the end of its abdomen.

Their larva is usually found between July and August: buried in the earth preparing to become a pupa. They then fly in the following June.

Diet

As its name describes, the caterpillars feed on privets, as well as ash trees, lilacs, jasmine, and a number of other plants.


source - Wikipedia