Hummingbird hawk moth

WINGING ITS WAY OVER FROM southern France, the hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) journeys to the UK to breed during the warmer months. With a brown and white-spotted abdomen, bright orange hind wings and long proboscis, this exotic-looking creature might cause gardeners to be taken aback when they see it amid their flowers.

Although significantly smaller, with a wingspan of just two inches, the moth does share some similarities with its avian namesake. With wings that beat up to 80 times per second – and emit an audible hum – it’s attracted to blooms that provide a plentiful supply of nectar, such as jasmine, red valerian, honeysuckle, buddleia and lilac. Although it prefers to fly in sunlight, it can also be spotted during overcast weather, at dawn and dusk, and sometimes even at night.

Reportedly seen by many flying over the English Channel on D-day in 1944, the industrious insect has long been considered a harbinger of good luck. It is found throughout the UK, and even as far north as the Orkney and Shetland Islands, so head to coastal regions, farmland, grassland or woodland for the best chance to see this marvellous moth.

For more information, visit wildlife trusts.org/species/hummingbird-hawk-moth.