Sphingidae: Sphinginae

06843 Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum, (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF1984 (ABH69.010)

Melnik, SW Bulgaria, 4th Aug. 2017.
Melnik, SW Bulgaria, 4th Aug. 2017.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Melnik, SW Bulgaria, 4th Aug. 2017.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019


General Information

The dark brown adults of this species have bright orange hindwings. They closely resemble a hummingbird in flight and when hovering at a flower. Unlike most hawk-moths, this is a day-flying species and is usually seen visiting flowers in sunshine.

 

Pupates close to the ground in leaf litter or in the leaves of the food plant.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an adult.
Flies during the day

Forewing length: 20-24mm.
Foodplant(s): bedstraws (Galium spp.), Wild Madder (Rubia peregrina)
Flying: One generation, April-December (mostly August-September)
UK Presence: Immigrant, Possible Resident
National status:

Habitat

Anywhere.

Regional Information

Recorded in 35 (1.8%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.

Last recorded in July 2013

Recorded date range (Adult): 13 June to 24 July

Recorded date range (Pupa): 13 July to 13 July

Similar Species
Pirin Mtns, 25th June 2005
Pirin Mtns, 25th June 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
With lumps, bumps or horn(s)
Colours:
Green, brown, white, yellow, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5