Which insect would this be?
Asker: Benoni, age 71
Answer
Dear Benoni,
I think this is a privet pintail (Sphinx ligustri), which has either just emerged from the pupal stage or has immature wings. The privet pintail is one of the largest moths in Belgium. The name “pintail” comes from the caterpillar, which has an arrow-shaped appendage on the rear end of its body. In attachment I send you some more information about this species and about stingrays in general.
Kind regards,
Thierry Backeljau
Answered by
Dr Thierry Backeljau
Biology

Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
Rue Vautier 29 1000 Brussels
http://www.naturalsciences.be
Rue Vautier 29 1000 Brussels
http://www.naturalsciences.be
.