Crumbs, it's a... oh no, it isn't.

Recently, the Admiral discovered this magnificent insect on a poplar tree near his place of work.

If you think it's a Hornet, then you're only half right. This is a moth mimicking the fearsome predator. It is a Hornet Clearwing.

My nautical friend also spotted a few holes from which these moths had emerged.
We had not previously encountered this species, but now know which trees to look out for and at what time of year.