Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Macroglossum stellatarum

Description

Wingspan 50 to 58mm. A fast-flying, energetic moth. The body and fore-wings are a grey/brown, the fore-wings with some darker lines and marks across them. The hind wings are orange. The last four segments of the abdomen are darker than the rest, with contrasting white patches at the margins.

Habitat

Often found in gardens, but anywhere that there are flowers. The larvae feed on bedstraws.

Status and distribution

This is a summer migrant but it is suspected of over-wintering. Some years it can be quite common. Most records are concentrated in the south and east, but it can reach as far as the north of Scotland. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

June to September.