Hummingbird moths, also known as hawk moths, are a group of insects that resemble hummingbirds in their appearance and behavior. There are several different species found across Europe, including the UK. While they may seem exotic, hummingbird moths are not considered rare in the UK. However, their numbers have declined in recent decades.
What are hummingbird moths?
Hummingbird moths belong to the moth family Sphingidae. There are over 1,500 species worldwide, with around 17 regular species found in the UK. Some of the most common UK species include:
– Hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)
– Elephant hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor)
– Poplar hawk-moth (Laothoe populi)
– Privet hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri)
– Lime hawk-moth (Mimas tiliae)
– Eyed hawk-moth (Smerinthus ocellata)
– Small elephant hawk-moth (Deilephila porcellus)
As their name suggests, hummingbird moths resemble hummingbirds in appearance and behavior. Key features include:
– Long tapered wings that allow hover in place while feeding on nectar
– Long proboscis (tongue) for reaching nectar at the base of flowers
– Rapid wing beats up to 70 times per second, creating a humming or buzzing sound
– Diurnal activity (active during the day)
– Attraction to brightly colored tubular flowers
The similarities allow hummingbird moths to fill an ecological niche comparable to hummingbirds, despite being unrelated.
Are hummingbird moths rare in the UK?
Hummingbird moths are not considered rare creatures in the UK. Several species such as the hummingbird hawk-moth and elephant hawk-moth can be found across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. They are widespread and can be spotted in gardens, parks, meadows, and woodland edges from spring through early autumn.
Some key facts about the abundance of UK hummingbird moths:
– The hummingbird hawk-moth is believed to be the most widespread species, found across most of the British Isles.
– Elephant hawk-moths are common across England and Wales, more localized in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
– Many species such as the eyed, poplar, and privet hawk-moths have a nationwide distribution.
– Species like the lime hawk-moth have more restricted ranges but can still be locally common.
– No UK species are listed as endangered or threatened. Several are classified as ‘least concern’ by the IUCN.
– The majority of species are listed as common, abundant, or migrant by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
While not rare, hummingbird moth populations have seen declines in recent decades, a trend observed for many UK moth species. But they remain widespread and observable across Britain and Northern Ireland.
Reasons hummingbird moths are not rare in the UK
There are several ecological and geographical factors that help explain why hummingbird moths continue to thrive across the UK, despite population declines:
Generalist feeding habits
Hummingbird moths have generalist feeding habits. Unlike some rarer specialist moths, they do not rely on one or two specific host plants. The larvae of most species feed on a diverse range of common trees and shrubs including hazel, willow, poplar, apple, rose, and hawthorn. This diet flexibility helps provide abundant food sources.
Broad habitat tolerance
Hummingbird moths occupy a diverse range of habitats in the UK. Species such as the hummingbird hawk-moth thrive in areas rich in nectar sources from gardens to meadows, roadside verges, woodland edges, scrub, and parks. This tolerance of varied conditions allows them to exploit niches across the British landscape.
Migration of some species
Certain hummingbird moth species such as the hummingbird hawk-moth are migrants, meaning they can travel north to the UK each year from southern Europe and North Africa. This potential for migration and recolonization bolsters populations and prevents localized extinctions in poor breeding years.
Climate change benefits
Warmer temperatures due to climate change have permitted range expansions for warmth-loving species such as the hummingbird and silver-striped hawk-moths. This may be increasing abundances and resilience against other pressures.
Lack of major threats
Aside from generalized habitat loss and pesticide use, hummingbird moths lack any major specific threats driving declines as seen in rare specialist moths. Their generalist nature provides a buffer against extirpation.
Population trends
While not rare, many hummingbird moth species have undergone population declines and range contractions in the UK over the last 50-100 years. However, the degree of decline varies between species.
Some examples:
– The hummingbird hawk-moth appears to be stable or even increasing its range. One study estimated a population increase of 89% from 1968 to 2007.
– Elephant hawk-moth populations crashed by around 75% between 1968-2007, but seem to be recovering in recent years.
– The lime hawk-moth has experienced severe declines, with extinct over much of its former range. It is now restricted to South East England.
– The privet hawk-moth has declined by around 59% since the 1960s.
The causes of these population drops are not fully clear but likely include factors such as habitat loss, insecticide use, light pollution, and climate change impacts. Appropriate conservation management may help stabilize and restore numbers.
Where and when to see hummingbird moths in the UK
While dispersed across the UK, here are some of the best places and times to spot hummingbird moths:
Southern England
Southern England harbors a greater diversity and density of species. Particularly good areas include Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Kent, and the Thames Valley. Chalk downland, meadows, woodland edges, and gardens are prime spots.
Peak flight times
Most species are seen between May and August. But the hummingbird hawk-moth has an exceptionally long flight period from March-October, with peak numbers in August.
Gardens
Gardens are a great place to observe hummingbird moths through the summer, especially those with nectar-rich planting schemes. Buddleia, lavender, jasmine, and red valerian are attractive to the moths.
Woodland rides and edges
Open sunny rides cutting through deciduous woodland provide ideal sheltered, flowery habitat for species such as the lime, eyed, and elephant hawk-moths.
Chalk grassland
Flower-rich chalk downland in southern England attracts high numbers of migrant hummingbird hawk-moths in late summer. Sites such as Portland Bill in Dorset are well known hotspots.
Coastal cliffs and meadows
Coastal habitats like the cliff tops and meadows of Dover are fantastic for rarer migrants like the convolvulus hawk-moth. The moths arrive here in late summer and autumn.
References
Asher, J. et al. The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2001.
Fox, R. et al. The State of the UK’s Butterflies 2015. Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, 2015.
Fox, R. et al. The State of Britain’s Larger Moths 2013. Butterfly Conservation and Rothamsted Research, 2013.
NBN Atlas – https://nbnatlas.org/
UK Biodiversity Action Plan – http://data.jncc.gov.uk/data/a443633c-ab23-4bf8-a77b-fd82c32f93b0/UKBAP-BiodiversityNews-63-PriorityMothsBenchmark.pdf
Stefanescu, C. et al. Multi-generational long-distance migration of insects: studying the painted lady butterfly in the Western Palaearctic. Ecography 36: 474-486, 2013.
Conrad, K. et al. Long-term population trends in widespread British moths. Journal of Insect Conservation 6: 119-136, 2002.
Fox, R. et al. The State of Britain’s Larger Moths. Butterfly Conservation and Rothamsted Research, 2006.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while hummingbird moth populations have experienced some declines, the majority of species remain relatively widespread and common across the UK. Thanks to their generalist feeding habits, broad habitat tolerance, migration, and lack of specific major threats, these moth species continue to thrive across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The best places to spot them are southern England gardens, woodlands, and chalk grasslands from late spring through early autumn. With appropriate habitat conservation and management, the outlook for these charismatic insects remains relatively positive compared to many other moth species in Britain and Ireland. They continue to play an important pollination role and provide enjoyment for mothwatchers and gardeners alike through the summer months.