Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Fascinating facts about the Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth

• Dr. Anders Forsman found that the Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth beats its wings up to 80 times per second, faster than a hummingbird, to hover in place as it feeds on nectar from flowers.
• Reaching speeds of 30 km/h, the Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth migrates over 2,000 km from Africa to Europe each year, a journey that takes around 20 days, crossing the Mediterranean Sea.
• In a study published in 2017, scientists discovered that the Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth can see ultraviolet light, which helps it navigate to flowers with high nectar content, and its long proboscis allows it to reach deep into flowers to feed.
• The Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth's caterpillars can grow up to 6 cm in length and weigh around 10 grams, feeding on plants like bedstraw and madder, before pupating and emerging as adult moths after around 2 weeks.
• Conservation efforts are in place to protect the Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth, as its population declined by 30% between 1990 and 2015, due to habitat loss and climate change, highlighting the need to preserve its migratory routes and breeding grounds.

At a glance

About the Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth

The Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a remarkable lepidopteran that captivates observers with its striking resemblance to a hummingbird. Sporting a stout, elongated body adorned with a vibrant pattern of brown, orange, and yellow, this moth boasts a wingspan of approximately 5 to 6 centimeters. Its most distinctive feature is its rapid wingbeat, which can reach up to 80 beats per second, allowing it to hover effortlessly in front of flowers while it feeds. This moth is predominantly found in gardens, meadows, and woodland clearings across Europe, often venturing into areas where its preferred nectar-rich plants thrive. Its ability to adapt to urban environments has made it a common sight during warm summer evenings, as it flits between blossoms, seeking sustenance with its long proboscis. Interestingly, its flight pattern is not unlike that of a bumblebee, creating a delightful spectacle for nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike. As dusk falls, the Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth becomes increasingly active, showcasing its remarkable feeding behavior. It is particularly fond of tubular flowers, where it deftly extracts nectar while simultaneously aiding in pollination. This moth’s diet primarily consists of nectar from plants like honeysuckle and evening primrose, but it is also known to consume the sugary secretions of aphids. One surprising trait of the Macroglossum stellatarum is its ability to thermoregulate; it can raise its body temperature by contracting its flight muscles, enabling it to remain active in cooler conditions. This extraordinary adaptation allows it to extend its feeding hours into the twilight, ensuring that it capitalizes on the abundance of floral resources available during the warmer months.

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