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Humming-bird Hawk-moths are a dramatic insect that look just like Humming-birds as they flit about between flowers, hovering as they suck up precious nectar. Although it can potentially be found in all parts of Britain, it is most frequently seen in the southern half of Britain and Ireland, particularly coastal counties. They should be easy to spot and hopefully their numbers will be swelling over the coming months.
In migratory terms, the Humming-bird Hawk-moth is very similar to the Painted Lady Butterfly. It winters in Africa and spreads northwards through Europe and often into Britain during the summer months to feed and breed. Traditionally, they have bred in Britain but have not hibernated here because our winters are simply too cold. This seems to be changing with climate change though and this has prompted our partner, Butterfly Conservation, to set up a survey of Humming-bird Hawk-moths.
We want to know whether climate change really is leading to increased numbers of this Moth in the UK. When and where did you see it? Are they laying eggs? And are they hibernating here?
Further Reading:
Humming-bird Hawk-moths are part of our Gardenwatch project