
Community identification
Hummingbird Hawk-moth
Macroglossum stellatarum
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Sphingidae
- Size
- Wingspan of 40 to 50 mm (1.6 to 2.0 inches).
Natural Habitat
Gardens, parks, meadows, and woodland edges; found across much of the Old World.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on the nectar of flowers like honeysuckle and Buddleia; larvae feed on plants in the Rubiaceae family, such as bedstraw.
Behavior Patterns
Diurnal (active during the day), known for hovering while feeding from flowers with a long proboscis, resembling a hummingbird. It is a migratory species and a strong flier.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; serves as an important pollinator for various plant species within the ecosystem.