I present the humming bird hawk moth

[Tomcoles]

I keep seeing theses in my back garden there amazing little critters. I did not take this photo as my stupid camera wasn't charged but I will try and get a picture of my own. I saw one when I was about ten my dad pointed it out to me and have been intrigued ever since. I spotted it instantly on the honey suckle in my back garden.
So here's the idea keep an eye out got them try and photograph if possable and post your sightings here.

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[Stew]

Not one I've seen before.

Did have a privet hawk sat on my back gate all day t'other week though. Will keep my eyes peeled!

 

[British Red]

Interesting little things - they seem particularly attracted to our lavender hedge and they truly do hover

Hummingbird Hawk Moth by British Red, on Flickr

 

[ged]

Here's one on the honesty in our orchard, 27 April 2010:

http://www.jubileegroup.co.uk/JOS/misc/t4277035_small.jpg

 

[Tomcoles]

They are lovely unusual little things. Some great photos of them well done getting those pictures


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[JonathanD]

They seem to be coming more and more common. We get them quite often now.

 

[Harvestman]

I haven't seen one in years. Wish I had.

 

[Nice65]

I haven't seen one in years. Wish I had.

Alas, nor me. Mesmerising creatures to watch.

Found this one in the house this morning so put it out on the lavender.

 

[Harvestman]

That one is a large elephant hawkmoth.

 

[Disruptive Pattern]

Took this one a few years ago in the garden. Haven't seen one for a while now.

[/url]humming bird hawk moth by woodland explorer, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[Nice65]

That one is a large elephant hawkmoth.

I know, I was quite excited about finding it. We had a few friends over last night, and as each of then surfaced from their hangovers, I led them into the garden to share my joy. Not one, apart from my good lady, really seemed to give a toss

 

[Harvestman]

I know, I was quite excited about finding it. We had a few friends over last night, and as each of then surfaced from their hangovers, I led them into the garden to share my joy. Not one, apart from my good lady, really seemed to give a toss

Philistines!

 

[Nice65]

Philistines!

I think Madam was only interested in getting it out of the house to be honest, though she did take a few pics of it on the lavender.

Wish I'd got the Canon out now and taken some better pictures, but I thought it would disappear so just used the iPhone. It stayed there for ages, but I was busy on the sossies, toms and eggs for everyone.

 

[British Red]

Just for laughs - here is one in pitch black under flash


There are fairies at the bottom of our garden!

fairy by British Red, on Flickr

 

[robin wood]

They are more common the nearer you are to the channel as they are not resident here, every one you see has flown the channel. We get them in Derbyshire in good summers. What I don't understand is why do they fly here? It's a long way to come and they are not breeding here, are they trying to expand territory, laying eggs that don't make it?

 

[Harvestman]

They are more common the nearer you are to the channel as they are not resident here, every one you see has flown the channel. We get them in Derbyshire in good summers. What I don't understand is why do they fly here? It's a long way to come and they are not breeding here, are they trying to expand territory, laying eggs that don't make it?

Migration to a habitat with fewer competitors, means they feed well, so wherever they choose to breed they are in prime condition and do better, reproductively. It works, or they wouldn't do it. Now and again, if conditions are right, they will breed, and thereby colonise a new habitat. As a behaviour it certainly has its risks, but also benefits.