Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre

July 2006 -

Humming Bird Hawkmoth

(Macroglossum stellatarum)

Record courtesy of A. Waite - Image courtesy of L. Manning

This day-flying moth was spotted on two occasions by A. Waite in her back garden feeding on penstemon and buddleia. Quite easy to recognise by the way it hovers above a flower and sucks nectar through its long tongue, this species migrates from Southern Europe often flying as far as 100 miles a day. The females lay eggs on Ladies Bedstraw and similar plants in July an August. This sighting was submitted using our online form.

Records of the Month in 2006

Each month we will be selecting the most interesting and topical images, specimens and descriptions we have received to be published on the website. You can submit your record and image online in the Send us your records page on the website. All published images will be credited to the artist / photographer, so good luck, and we look forward to receiving your records!