Giant moth

[nicelander]

Earlier this afternoon I spotted an enormous moth in my garden perched on a pot.
Nearly eight hours later it is still there.
I cannot seem to identify it but it is 3 inches long and has brown mottled wings. Certainly the biggest moth I have ever seen but would love to know what it is. I am in Hertfordshire if that helps??

Many thanks in advance

[redcrx]

some sort of hawk moth 'probably http://www.google.co....PXtAw&ved=0CDYQ9QEwAw

[Answerprancer]

I bet it's one of these three:
http://www.natures-de...lephant-hawk-moth.jpg
http://i1.trekearth.c...0/lime-hawk-moths.jpg
http://www.hantsmoths.../poplar_hawk_moth.jpg
Or if not a hawkmoth, one of the largest common moths in my experience is the Orange Underwings:
http://www.butterfly-...erwing-by-Paul-Ha.jpg

[Answerprancer]

...if you're REALLY lucky it might be one of these -though they are pretty rare.
http://www.biolib.cz/IMG/GAL/16548.jpg
If it DOES look like this, please take care of it and don't be alarmed if you pick it up and it squeaks (they're supposed to do that).