The Garden Community for Garden Lovers

Hummingbird Hawk Moth

siris

By siris

13 comments


Sorry no photo of these delightful well-named Moths.
I saw one 3 days ago in the front garden hovering in front of a Salvia Neon.
Yesterday at about 5pm I saw 2 together in the back garden, also feeding on nectar from Salvia Neon. Although there are 3 or 4 different coloured Salvias along the back fence, they seem to prefer the shocking pink of Neon’s larger flowers.

This photo of Neon was taken 2 years ago now it has grown to the top of the 6ft high back fence.

I took my camera into the garden today but no Moth show, a sunny but windy day.

More blog posts by siris

Previous post: Billarderia longiflora

Next post: Friday 13th



Comments

 

You lucky sao and so! Love these, but very rarely see one.

20 Aug, 2022

 

We've seen one on and off Siris. We also have a "Neon", so maybe they were after that. I didn't realise the plant could get so tall, may have to resite it! I suppose from its height yours has survived winter?

21 Aug, 2022

 

Crikey! That's unusual..they're fabulous and big too! Hope you manage to get a pic for us, Sue! Fingers crossed 🤞

21 Aug, 2022

 

Lovely, wow that's tall, I have never grown any if these types of salvia yet, I have only seen this moth once and it was in Greece, we were at a restaurant and it was on the Jasmine:-))

21 Aug, 2022

 

Thanks, Anget, Neon has overwintered outside for several years. I will just cut off the spent flowers now, then in Spring cut it right back but not into really old wood.
Kate, The Hummingbird Hawk Moth is distinctive but not as big and showy as the Elephant Hawk Moth which is a whopper.

21 Aug, 2022

 

It has been a very good year for the hummingbird HM, lots have come up from Europe apparently.

21 Aug, 2022

 

SBG as we are near the south coast and we have had several weather systems bringing hot weather from the continent so maybe the moths have hitched a ride here.

22 Aug, 2022

 

That is very striking, salvia's do not like my soil so I've given up trying...I'm a scaredy cat and don't like moths so I won't mind if I don't see any, lol...

22 Aug, 2022

 

I was familiar with these moths in France but I have never seen the adult yet in England. I saw the caterpillar once though, marching along to find a place to pupate. They are quite distinctive.

23 Aug, 2022

 

Didn't see this Siris. Like you I was very lucky this last summer with the Hummingbird hawkmoths visiting my garden. They were enjoying the petunias and also valerian, Such a treat to see them..

16 Jan, 2023

 

JANEY, (Lincolnshire near the coast ?) what colour was the Valerian? I have only the white variety in my garden and they didnt touch that. I am wondering if they have a 'bias' towards shocking pink.

17 Jan, 2023

 

Yes, the pink, but it's more pale. Yes Lincolnshire near the coast! They've visited in July for quite a few years now. I think I took one or two pics, I'll check. If you want some Valerian, you're more than welcome.

19 Jan, 2023

 

Thank you Janey, Lets hope we get visitations of Hh moths this 2023 year. Valerian self seeds easily around here, probably some pink here that ive not weeded out.

26 Jan, 2023

Add a comment

Recent posts by siris

Members who like this blog

  • Gardening with friends since
    4 Oct, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    25 Feb, 2011

  • Gardening with friends since
    2 Feb, 2019

  • Gardening with friends since
    31 Mar, 2010

  • Gardening with friends since
    12 Feb, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    5 May, 2010

  • Gardening with friends since
    14 Aug, 2020

  • Gardening with friends since
    22 Oct, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    14 Jul, 2012