Q&A for How to Raise Privet Hawk Moths

Yes. A small greenhouse is perfect for raising exotic Hawk moths. However, you have to be careful to protect your greenhouse from the ladybugs and chat noirs who might come to destroy your Hawk moths.

They hang for about two hours before they fly away. It is best to monitor them for a day before releasing them in the wild.

A newly-hatched moth needs to build up pressure in its wings before it can fly off. Calm, sunny weather is ideal for releasing the moth, but they can hatch when the weather is not ideal. In any case, keeping it in a small container will result in the moth destroying its wings by fluttering against the walls. Once destroyed, it can never fly again. You can release it and hope it finds a place to hide from the not-so-ideal weather.

A simple terrarium would do, as long as it has enough space. You cannot feed it any sort of leaf, though, because caterpillars eat specific types. You need to be able to find its host plant.

When moths first emerge, they will not be able to fly because they need to expand their wings, so your moth is likely clinging on to you because it sees you as a platform for it to do so. Let it rest on a vertical wall of some sort and it will fly away when ready.

To identify the caterpillar, try describing its color, patterns, size, and distinctive features. You can also use a bug identification app or website to upload your photo for more accurate results. By placing it on a lilac bush, you've likely provided it with a food source, and you might see it form a chrysalis and transform into its adult form!