The "Hawk Moths". Large to very large, iconic, fast flying moths with long usually pointed forewings and small triangular hindwings. Larva plump and fleshy with a variably developed caudal horn on segment 8. Some have well developed warning eye like spots on the thoracic segments which can be displayed whilst raising and flexing them into a sphinx shape, giving rise to the name of the family. Many with very long proboscis and some are diurnal or crepuscular and can feed from tubular flowers whilst hovering. Several species are migrants to UK from southern Europe and north Africa.