Fauna
Insect

Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Macroglossum stellatarum

Also known as Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Hummingbird Moth

Eurasian hummingbird hawkmoths hover expertly over nectar-rich blossoms, beating their wings up to 85 times per second to generate an audible hum. These day-flying moths migrate thousands of kilometers every summer from southern overwintering grounds across Europe and Asia. Female hawkmoths lay eggs on bedstraw plants, where the bright green caterpillars feed before pupating in loose silk cocoons among leaf litter.

DiurnalFast FlyerMigratory
Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth reference1 / 7
(c) Smudge 9000, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyVerbena nectar, Buddleja nectar, Bedstraw leaves
Predators
  • Insectivorous birds
  • Bats
  • Orb-weaver spiders
ThreatsPesticide application, habitat fragmentation, severe weather during migration
HabitatsGardens, meadows, woodland edges, parks, coastal cliffs
Life spanUp to 7 months
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilySphingidae
  3. GenusMacroglossum
  4. SpeciesMacroglossum stellatarum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans and safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Plant Tubular Flowers: Cultivate nectar-rich blooms like verbena, lavender, and buddleja to attract hovering adults.
  • Observe Quietly: Approach slowly without casting sudden shadows while they feed during warm, sunny daytime hours.
Related species
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