Hummingbird Hawk-Moth

My first sighting of a Hummingbird Hawk-Moth was in north-west France, over thirty years ago. These exquisite day flying moths are summer visitors to the UK. Usually seen in the south, or coastal regions, 2022 has been a record year for the insects. In the annual British Trust for Ornithology garden birdwatch survey, there was a fourfold increase in the number of moths recorded. Even in Scotland, where the moths are much rarer, there were three times as many sightings compared to previous years.

During August visits to a local nature reserve this year, I discovered a Buddleia which was in favour with a group of moths.

Moths and Birds

An example of convergent evolution, hawk-moth and hummingbird – although different species – have both evolved in a similar way to suit their environment. One of the world’s fastest insects, the moths have been recorded flying at up to 12 miles per hour. The Anna’s Hummingbird is the fastest bird in the world, relative to its size, and has been clocked flying at 50 miles per hour. Both moth and bird can fly in all directions.

When hovering, the moths beat their wings around 70-80 times a second, creating a humming sound. The birds’ wings beat at anything from 50-200 times a second. Both the hawkmoth, and the hummingbird hover to feed. The moth uses their long proboscis to reach nectar. The bird has a specially adapted long beak, also designed to reach nectar.

Life

The adults go through a breeding cycle while in the UK, and the moths I observed at the reserve may have been born there. Bedstraw is a favoured food for the caterpillars, which grow up to 6 cm long. The larvae are predominantly green, with numerous small white dots, yellow stripes, and a striking blue horn with yellow tip.

As winters become milder, an increasing number of Hummingbird Hawk-Moths are likely to survive an overwinter in the UK. And with climate change, the annual migration from Southern Europe and North Africa will probably see increasing numbers arrive in the UK for the summer months.

Finally

Studies have shown that moths have excellent memories, often returning to the same flower at the same time every day.

A small swarm of Hummingbird Hawk-Moths was spotted crossing the Channel from France to England on D-Day in 1944. Following this sighting, the moth came to be considered a lucky omen.