Hummingbird Hawk-moth

Macroglossum stellatarum

Common
Hummingbird Hawk-moth — photo 1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth — photo 2 Hummingbird Hawk-moth — photo 3 Hummingbird Hawk-moth — photo 4

Description

Green to brown caterpillar with a caudal horn. Pale longitudinal stripes. The adult moth is often mistaken for a hummingbird.

Information

FamilySphingidae
Size4–5 cm
Hairinessglabre
Observation periodMay to October
DistributionFound throughout Europe, migratory.
ToxicityNo
RarityCommon

Host plants

  • Bedstraw
  • Lady's bedstraw

Notes

The adult is often mistaken for a hummingbird due to its hovering flight.

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