Hummingbird Hawk Moth species in the Falkland Islands (1 Viewer)

[Alan henry]

I saw this moth species that I believe is a Hummingbird Hawk Moth, can anybody confirm the species.

I have never heard of this species being seen in the Falkland Islands before.

Cheers

Alan

 

[RafaelMatias]

Hi Alan!
That's a spectacular record! Unless I'm missing any extremely recent unpublished record, that is a new species for the Falklands because there's only one other hawk moth species previously recorded, the long distance migrant Agrius cingulata, which is very different and I was fortunate to see and photograph back in 2008 or 2009 (there are several records of this one and you may have seen it as well).
I don't know what species is on your photos but it's very striking and I'll look into it, it's fantastic! Congratulations for that!
Cheers

 

[Alan henry]

Hi Alan!
That's a spectacular record! Unless I'm missing any extremely recent unpublished record, that is a new species for the Falklands because there's only one other hawk moth species previously recorded, the long distance migrant Agrius cingulata, which is very different and I was fortunate to see and photograph back in 2008 or 2009 (there are several records of this one and you may have seen it as well).
I don't know what species is on your photos but it's very striking and I'll look into it, it's fantastic! Congratulations for that!
Cheers

Hi Rafael,

Yes as you can image I was a little bit excited when I saw it. Watched it for about 10 minutes and even got a short video with my phone.

I have seen one other hawk moth you mention both alive and found one dead..

Will try to make contact with someone who will know.

Cheers and stay safe....... Oh did I mention I saw a Royal Penguin yesterday??....

Alan

 

[RafaelMatias]

Alan,
from a quick search I think we can say confidently that the genus is is Aellopos. The species may be Aellopos titan, the Titan Hawkmoth, which occurs in Argentina and Uruguay. Aellopos fadus needs to be rulled out, but it seems the visible pattern, both wings and abdomen, is better for titan.
Great stuff!
Cheers!

 

[RafaelMatias]

Hi Rafael,

Yes as you can image I was a little bit excited when I saw it. Watched it for about 10 minutes and even got a short video with my phone.

I have seen one other hawk moth you mention both alive and found one dead..

Will try to make contact with someone who will know.

Cheers and stay safe....... Oh did I mention I saw a Royal Penguin yesterday??....

Alan

Oh, I'm gutted with that Royal! Seriously jealous! You know of the old claims of a few pairs breeding on Beauchêne (I. Strange)?

Re. the Hawk Moth, I think the ID is probably right. Great record.

EDIT: a page with all Aellopos where they can be compared side by side.

 

[Alan henry]

Oh, I'm gutted with that Royal! Seriously jealous! You know of the old claims of a few pairs breeding on Beauchêne (I. Strange)?

Re. the Hawk Moth, I think the ID is probably right. Great record.

EDIT: a page with all Aellopos where they can be compared side by side.

Cheers Rafael,

I think you have got the ID spot on.

many thanks for your help.

Stay safe.

Cheers

Alan

 

[RafaelMatias]

Cheers Rafael,

I think you have got the ID spot on.

many thanks for your help.

Stay safe.

Cheers

Alan

Cheers Alan, I'm glad I could help. Stay safe too! All the best.

 

[honeym]

I saw this moth species that I believe is a Hummingbird Hawk Moth, can anybody confirm the species.

I have never heard of this species being seen in the Falkland Islands before.

Cheers

Alan

Hi Alan

I see you are still turning up some nice moths. What a great record.

I've mentioned it to a colleague at the Museum and he says it's the most southerly record he's aware of. I've also passed the info on to another colleague who has published on the Falkland Island moths.

Best wishes

Martin