[Andy K]

I am not really into moths etc but I was pleasantly suprised to observe this morning what from the web seems to be a Humming Bird Hawk Moth on my Budleia ? Could that be right living in albeit a leafy superb ( Ashbrooke) of Sunderland ?

Also saw at work today(Caterpillar Peterlee) what again from the web sems to have been an Elephant Hawk Moth resting/asleep on a wooden crate ?

Many thanks for any replies.

[harry eales]

Originally Posted by Andy K

I am not really into moths etc but I was pleasantly suprised to observe this morning what from the web seems to be a Humming Bird Hawk Moth on my Budleia ? Could that be right living in albeit a leafy superb ( Ashbrooke) of Sunderland ?

Also saw at work today(Caterpillar Peterlee) what again from the web sems to have been an Elephant Hawk Moth resting/asleep on a wooden crate ?

Many thanks for any replies.

Hello Andy,

If it looked like a Hummingbird and visited the Buddlia during daylight then it is almost certainly a Hummingbird Hawkmoth, there have been numerous sightings locally in the past couple of weeks and some have been seen ovipositing. Seening them in a town of city is not at all unusual, they are just seeking out nectar resources, not viewing the architecture. Be aware also that some other moths are day flighers and the Silver Y in particular is also frequently seen during the day nectaring.

If the larvae you saw was quite small it is likely to be an Elephant Hawk but it it was large, then it is unlikely. The adults are still on the wing but dying off now with it being an early year for Leps. A picture would have helped.

Harry

[degsy_safc]

Kibblesworth - 20+ Purple Hairstreak & 5 Grayling

Couple of pics:

[Brian Bullough]

Harry I think it reads ,he works at Caterpillar in Peterlee .
Brian

[Adam W]

Excellent selection of Dragonflies at Cowpen Bewley today, 2-3 Common Hawker, 2 Brown Hawker,Ruddy Darter,Common Darter,female Emperor,Common Blue and Emerald damselfly.

Several Garyling with plenty of other Butterflies in the dunes at Seaton Snook.

[Egrets9]

Saw a Red Admiral and a Painted Lady yesterday before it started raining at Hartlepool Headland .Its only my 3rd Painted Lady i have seen this year.Seen numerous Peacocks,Red Admirals its been an excellent year for those.Also a few Comma but not many Small Torts

[Adam W]

Still lots of Speckled Woods at Whitburn CPK today,well into double figures also a couple of Red Admirals all starting to look a bit worse for wear though.