Humming Bird Hawk Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)
Wingspan 40 - 50 mm Not a native to the UK. Description: large proboscis and antenna, fan tailed thorax, orange hindwings and grey-brown fore-wings, marked with two black lateral stripes. Takes its name from the habit of flitting between blooms collecting nectar with its long proboscis, with a flight pattern resembling that of the humming bird. Although it has occasionally been known to overwinter in southern counties,this day flying moth is largely a migrant from the continent,flying any time from spring to October. A prolonged spell of warm summer weather and a southerly prevailing wind, can result in a fairly large presence of the humming hawk moths in the UK. Image available at Birdforum [here.] http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/data/512/thumbs/z_Humming_Bird_Hawk_Moth_A1a_South_Stack_Anglesey_280611_LQ.jpg
Also see: http://tpittaway.tripod.com/sphinx/m_ste.htm http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1984
