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Humming-bird Hawk-moth
Macroglossum stellatarum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Sphingidae: Macroglossinae
1984 / 69.010
Photo © Sue Pennell,  23/06/2014 - Cranwich Camp Butterfly survey transect

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Similar Species: None
Forewing: 20-24mm.
Flight: April-December. (mostly Aug-Sept)
Foodplant:   Lady's Bedstraw, other bedstraws. Wild Madder.
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common / Immigrant
Former Status: Immigrant
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1
Status
Regular migrant.
Closely resembles a hummingbird in flight when hovering at flowers.
Unlike most hawk-moths, this is largely a day-flying species and is usually seen visiting flowers in sunshine.

A widely distributed species but one which rarely manages to survive the winter in Britain, although a handful of Norfolk records suggest it can successfully overwinter in the county!

Larvae rarely found, with only a few caterpillar records in the database, including Holme in 2003 and Warham Camp in 2014.

Recorded in 67 (91%) of 74 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1834.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats

Latest 10 Records
Date#VC10kArea
29/10/2024127TG13Bodham
27/10/2024128TL79Mundford
22/10/2024128TF72Grimston
22/10/2024127TG10Hethersett
19/10/2024127TG10Cringleford (UEA)
18/10/2024127TG30Strumpshaw
15/10/2024127TG14Sheringham / Beeston
12/10/2024427TG50Great Yarmouth
11/10/2024128TF80Hilborough
08/10/2024128TF63Dersingham
Further info: Macroglossum stellatarum
 
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