Moth Id Help

[Prudie]

Please can anyone help me identify this large daytime moth I saw in Menorca. I assumed it was a hawk moth because of its size but a search of my book and google images of European hawk moths has drawn a blank. As you can see it's just plain brown at rest but has strikingly marked orange/black/white underwings. The body was nearly a cm wide.
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/u589/Prudies/DSCF0083_zps0acfd23e.jpg
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/u589/Prudies/DSCF0090_zpsa1e2c12a.jpg

[boxtops]

I must admit it looks like the privet hawkmoths that Rover used to catch and eat, it was very fond of our twisted willow tree.

Was Menorca good, prudie?

[Zacs-Master]

Holy Mother of God. If that had landed on me! Not scared of many things but...........

[Prudie]

Not privet boxy, they are distinctly pinkish with pink/black striped bodies.
LOL Zacs that just what we thought. They landed on us a lot and they were big - had that been a spider I'd have died from terror.

[ruthandsam]

I've had a search but to no avail. However, I would be inclined to post the pictures to your local Horticultural college even though the moths were seen in Menorca. Several of the lecturers would have that sort of knowledge. I can always do it on your behalf if you want. Just let me know.

[Prudie]

thank you ruthandsam for trying, I'm also continuing to look with no luck. it can't be that rare as there were 2 of them and they were on the same plant every morning. My local agricultural college may not know but it's a good idea. Do you have connections to one? I'd be very grateful if you want to copy the pics and ask them?

[rowanwitch]

Paysandisia archon introduced from Argentina now spreading through southern Europe I think
http://presse.inra.fr/en/Resources/Press-releases/The-seductive-dance-of-the-palm-moth-Paysandisia-archon

[Prudie]

Oh well done Rowan, that's it, how did you find it (a pest apparently!!)

[rowanwitch]

did it through google images rather than a straight search