Sphingidae: Macroglossinae

1984 (ABH69.010) Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR06843

Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Newly emerged, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
Newly emerged, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
First flight, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
First flight, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Melnik, Bulgaria. 04-08-2017.
Melnik, Bulgaria. 04-08-2017.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Final instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
Final instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Final instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
Final instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Early instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
Early instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Early instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
Early instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell


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: Common

Habitat

Anywhere.

Regional Information

Recorded in 143 (53%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 19 January to 20 December

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 15 August to 15 August

Similar Species
Bulgaria, June 2005
Bulgaria, June 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


Adult:

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