The day-flying hawk-moth. It is a summer visitor to the UK, migrating from Southern Europe in variable numbers each year.
In some years, it can be common and may be seen in gardens, hovering like a hummingbird as it feeds on the nectar of honeysuckle, red valerian and other flowers. It can also be found along woodland edges, and on heathland and scrub.
It is most often spotted in the UK in the south-east by the coast.
Marie said: “I had to have my finger constantly on burst shots as there were not a lot of plants with nectar and the moths were flying all over the place and not stopping for long.”

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Hummingbird hawk-moth at Warrior Square Gardens Photo: Marie Richardson

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Hummingbird hawk-moth at Warrior Square Gardens Photo: Marie Richardson

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Hummingbird hawk-moth at Warrior Square Gardens Photo: Marie Richardson

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Hummingbird hawk-moth at Warrior Square Gardens Photo: Marie Richardson

