The hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a fascinating species of moth found across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. With its ability to hover in midair while feeding on flower nectar and long proboscis that allows it to reach deep into blossoms, it has earned the common name of “hummingbird moth”. In this article, we’ll take a look at the range and habitat of this amazing insect.
Quick Facts on the Hummingbird Hawk Moth
Appearance
– Wingspan of 1.6 to 1.8 inches (4 to 4.5 cm)
– Fast-flying moth that can beat wings up to 70 times per second
– Mimics the look and behavior of a hummingbird, hence the name
Diet
– Feeds on nectar from flowers using its long proboscis
– Visits and pollinates many types of flowers including honeysuckle, petunia, phlox, and more
– Can extract nectar from flowers not accessible to bees and other pollinators
Life Cycle
– Lays eggs on bedstraw, honeysuckle, and other host plants
– Caterpillars are plump and green with horn on rear end
– Pupates underground through the winter then emerges as an adult moth in spring/summer
Native Geographic Range
The hummingbird hawk moth is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its range includes:
– Most of Europe, including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Turkey
– North Africa in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt
– Across Asia in countries such as India, China, Japan, and Korea
– Parts of the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Israel
It is a widespread species found across much of the Northern Hemisphere’s warmer climates. The moth cannot survive cold winters, so its range is limited to areas without extremely low winter temperatures.
Europe
Within Europe, the hummingbird hawk moth is found widely across Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece where the climate is warm. Its range extends northwards to the British Isles and Scandinavia but only during summer months when temperatures are higher. The species is resident year-round in suitable habitats in Southern Europe.
Asia
In Asia, the hummingbird hawk moth occupies a broad swath from Turkey eastwards through the Middle East, India, and China. It is found as far south as Sri Lanka and as far north as Siberia during summer. Again, its ability to survive colder winters restricts it from permanent residence in northern areas of Asia.
Africa
The hummingbird hawk moth is common across Northern Africa in warmer coastal regions. It is resident year-round in places like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt where suitable flowering plants provide nectar. Its range extends sparingly into Sub-Saharan Africa but only in areas without harsh winters.
Habitat and Ecosystems
Within its broad geographic range, the hummingbird hawk moth lives in a variety of habitats and ecosystems. Here are some of the areas it occupies:
Meadows and Grasslands
The moth frequents open meadows and grassy fields rich in wildflowers. Areas with abundant nectar plants like clovers, vetches, thyme, and knapweeds are favored.
Marshes and Wetlands
Wetland ecosystems with mallows, angelicas, and other moisture-loving flowers attract the hummingbird moth.
Scrublands
Scrubby areas with low vegetation provide habitat as long as flowering plants are present. These can include rocky hillsides and coastal clifftops.
Forest Edges and Clearings
Forest clearings, meadows, and edges where flowers grow are occupied by the hummingbird moth.
Suburban Gardens
The species readily inhabits gardens, parks, and urban green spaces rich in nectar flowers.
Agricultural Land
Fields of crops, orchards, and vineyards provide habitat for hummingbird moths where pesticides aren’t heavily used.
Altitude
Found from sea level up to elevations of 2000 meters in mountainous areas.
As a whole, the hummingbird hawk moth lives wherever there are abundant flowers to supply its nectar needs.
Interesting Facts About Hummingbird Hawk Moth Habitats
Beyond just the geographic locations and ecosystems it inhabits, here are some fascinating facts about the habitats of the hummingbird hawk moth:
Migratory Habits
– In some parts of its range, the moth migrates to avoid cold winters. Individuals in Northern Europe fly southwards in autumn.
– Migrations are made during daytime and involve distances up to 1000 km between breeding and overwintering areas.
Climate Matching
– The moth’s range shifts northwards during summer as temperatures rise, allowing it to exploit seasonally available habitats.
Rapid Range Expansion
– Global warming has allowed the species to rapidly expand its range northwards across Europe over the past few decades.
Human-Altered Habitats
– The moth has adapted well to human activities and makes use of gardens, roadside flowers, and agricultural land.
– Its opportunistic nectar-feeding habits allow it to thrive in urban and suburban areas.
Protected Areas
– Parts of the hummingbird moth’s range fall within national parks and nature preserves, like Doñana National Park in Spain.
– Conservation of diverse flowering meadows within protected areas benefits the moth.
Plants that Attract Hummingbird Hawk Moths
Hummingbird hawk moths get nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants. Here are some of the top ones that can attract these moths to gardens and outdoor spaces:
| Plant | Flowers | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|
| Petunia | Pink, purple, red | Summer |
| Honeysuckle | White, yellow, pink | Spring to summer |
| Verbena | Purple, pink | Summer to fall |
| Phlox | Pink, purple, white | Summer |
| Red Valerian | Red, pink, white | Spring to fall |
| Butterfly Bush | Purple, pink, white | Summer to fall |
| Lavender | Purple, pink | Spring to fall |
| Catmint | Purple, blue | Spring to summer |
| Caryopteris | Blue | Late summer to fall |
| Zinnia | Pink, purple, orange, red | Summer to fall |
These flowers provide excellent sources of nectar to fuel the moth’s hovering flight. Planting them together create an attractive, moth-friendly garden.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbird Hawk Moths
– Plant bright, tubular flowers preferred by the moth
– Have flowers blooming from spring through fall to provide continuous nectar
– Avoid pesticides that could poison the moths
– Locate feeders with sugar water in open, sunny spots
– Leave some areas of garden messy and overgrown to provide egg laying sites
– Keep an eye out in late afternoon when the moths are most active
Hummingbird Hawk Moths and Climate Change
Climate change has affected the habitat range and distribution of the hummingbird hawk moth. Here’s an overview:
Expanding Range
– Warming temperatures have enabled the moth to greatly expand its range northwards and to higher elevations in Europe over recent decades.
High Adaptability
– The species appears able to adapt well as climate zones shift, taking advantage of new habitat opening up.
Impact on Plants
– Effects of climate change on the moth’s host plants and nectar sources may have indirect impacts on its distribution.
Threats from Extremes
– Increased droughts, heatwaves, and storm severity could negatively impact moth populations in some areas.
Phenology Shifts
– Lifecycle timing of the moths may change in response to warmer springs and longer growing seasons.
Uncertain Future Range
– Future climate change effects on the moth’s range are difficult to predict precisely and will vary across different regions.
Conclusion
In summary, the hummingbird hawk moth occupies an impressively wide range across warmer parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It lives in diverse habitats wherever it can find abundant nectar from flowers, demonstrating a remarkable adaptability. Climate change is already enabling northward expansion of its range but may also pose threats. Providing moth-friendly flowering gardens and meadows can help support populations of these fascinating insects into the future. Observing the hummingbird moth’s hovering visits to garden flowers is one of the true joys of summer.
