Are there hummingbird moths in Italy?

Yes, there are hummingbird moths found in Italy. Hummingbird moths belong to the Sphingidae family of moths, which includes hawk moths. The most common hummingbird moth found in Italy is the Macroglossum stellatarum, also known as the hummingbird hawk-moth. This species can be found across much of Europe, including all regions of Italy.

What are hummingbird moths?

Hummingbird moths are moths that have adapted the ability to hover and feed on flower nectar while flapping their wings rapidly, similar to hummingbirds. Their characteristic hovering behavior, along with their slender bodies and long proboscis that can reach deep into tubular flowers, gives them their common name.

There are over 1,200 species of Sphingidae moths worldwide, but only some have adapted the hovering, nectar-feeding behavior that characterizes the true hummingbird moths. Like all moths, hummingbird moths undergo a complete metamorphosis with distinct larval (caterpillar), pupal, and adult stages. The caterpillars often feed on leaves before pupating and emerging as winged adults.

What species of hummingbird moth live in Italy?

The most widespread hummingbird moth in Italy is Macroglossum stellatarum, known as the hummingbird hawk-moth. This is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan reaching 32–48 mm. The fast-flying adults have brown-and-orange striped bodies and wings with transparent patches that reveal hints of the red abdomen underneath.

Other less common hummingbird moth species that may be found in parts of Italy include:

– Macroglossum gyrosolon – the southern hummingbird hawk-moth
– Hyles lineata – the white-lined sphinx
– Hemaris fuciformis – the broad-bordered bee hawk-moth
– Hemaris tityus – the narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth

However, Macroglossum stellatarum is considered the true and most recognizable hummingbird moth in Italy.

Habitat and Range of Hummingbird Moths in Italy

The hummingbird hawk-moth can be found across most of mainland Italy and on the larger islands of Sardinia and Sicily. This species occupies a wide range of habitat types, including:

Gardens

Hummingbird moths frequently visit garden flowers to feed on nectar. Favorite garden plants include jasmine, honeysuckle, red valerian, ivy, and various tubular flowers. Gardens in both rural towns and big cities provide habitat.

Meadows and Grasslands

Wildflowers in open meadows and grassy fields attract hummingbird moths. They will seek out knapweeds, clovers, thistles, and other flowering plants rich in nectar.

Woodland Edges

Forest clearings and the borders between woodlands and open areas offer hummingbird moths plentiful flowers on shrubs and vines.

Coastal Areas

Coastal Mediterranean vegetation, such as scrublands and maquis shrublands lined with flowering plants like rock roses, are frequented by these moths.

Agricultural Land

Hummingbird moths can be found in agricultural areas, especially around nectar-rich flowers of orchards, vine yards, and other croplands. Weedy edges around fields also provide habitat.

Alpine Meadows

At higher elevations in mountain ranges like the Alps and Apennines, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers attract hummingbird moths during the summer.

So in summary, this adaptable species inhabits a wide spectrum of environments in Italy, from sea level up to higher elevations. Wherever there are abundant tubular flowers, the moths can find food.

Life Cycle and Behavior

The hummingbird hawk-moth goes through a complete metamorphosis with distinct life stages:

Eggs

In late spring and summer, female moths lay small, round eggs individually on host plants, usually on the underside of leaves. Common host plants include roses, bedstraws, honeysuckles, and snowberries. The eggs are greenish-white to brown in color.

Caterpillars

The eggs hatch into caterpillars, which immediately begin feeding on leaves of the host plant. The caterpillars are large and plump, reaching 60-70 mm in length when fully grown. They are green with white and brown markings, with a distinctive curved horn on the back end. The caterpillars are often well camouflaged among foliage.

Pupae

In late summer, the caterpillar will stop feeding and form itself into a pupa attached to a plant stem or branch. This pupal stage overwinters hidden among debris through the winter months.

Adults

Adult moths begin to emerge from pupae in early spring. Peak flight periods for adults are May through September. Adults feed mainly on nectar from flowers via their long proboscis. They are most active during the day, especially on sunny, warm days. At night, the moths rest hidden among vegetation. The adults do not feed during the cooler winter months and likely overwinter in sheltered spots.

The rapid wing flapping that gives them the “hummingbird” name occurs as they hover in front of flowers to feed. Their flight is swift and darting. While feeding, they may cover large territories seeking nectar sources. Reproduction starts again in spring, completing the yearly cycle.

Population and Conservation

The hummingbird hawk-moth remains a fairly common species across its range in Europe, although localized populations can fluctuate from year to year. Overall, these moths are not considered threatened or endangered.

Their widespread presence in human modified environments, such as gardens, indicates they are not sensitive to habitat changes in many regions. The rich diversity of tubular flowers provided by common garden plants has likely expanded their habitat in recent times.

A variety of flowering meadows, grasslands, woodland edges, and coastal scrub habitats across Italy provide sufficient habitat for sustaining populations. Conservation of these natural areas will benefit the moths. Use of pesticides can impact caterpillar survival, so organic garden practices also encourage their presence.

While Italian populations appear stable, researchers continue monitoring populations and behaviors to understand responses to climate change and habitat alterations. Maintaining networks of diverse, flower-rich habitats can ensure these unique moths remain a vibrant part of Italy’s natural heritage. Their presence provides beauty and invaluable pollination services.

Interesting Facts

Mimicry

The hummingbird hawk-moth’s resemblance to a hummingbird is an example of mimicry. By looking and acting like a pollinating hummingbird, the moths may gain closer access to nectar-bearing flowers that attract the birds.

Migration

Some northern European populations of hummingbird hawk-moths are known to migrate south in autumn. It is unclear whether significant numbers reach Italy as part of this migration. Resident Italian moths likely overwinter as pupae.

Pollination

While feeding on nectar, hummingbird moths transfer pollen between flowers, making them important pollinators for many plant species. Their ability to hover in front of flowers while feeding makes them efficient pollinators.

Climate Change

Warmer temperatures associated with climate change may allow hummingbird hawk-moths to expand their distribution farther north in Europe. Some data indicates northern populations have already spread northward.

This table summarizes key traits and flight periods for the main hummingbird moth species found in Italy.

Conclusion

In summary, Italy is home to a diversity of hummingbird moth species, with the widespread Macroglossum stellatarum being the most common and recognizable. These unique moths can be found across the country, inhabiting gardens, meadows, woodlands, coastal areas, and mountains wherever abundant tubular flowers occur. Their ability to hover like hummingbirds allows them to access nectar as important pollinators. Maintaining natural areas with flowering plants can ensure stable populations of these fascinating moths in Italy’s ecosystems and gardens. Their presence provides wonder and valuable connections between plants and pollinators.