Hummingbird Hawk Moth

[TheDandyLion]

I've just seen my first ever hummingbird hawk moth on the lavender in my garden. I recognised it instantly as soon as I saw it and its beautiful. I managed to get quite close to it and watch it for a couple of minutes. I didn't have my phone on me to take any pics but it flitted around so quickly it would have just been a blur. Smaller than I expected but pretty big for a moth. That cheered up my day.

they also love my phlox and buddleia and have returned, enough for me to take a video,
and tonight on my scabious
such a sight!
‘Grey lump with orange wings’: hummingbird hawk-moths descend on UK gardens | Insects | The Guardian

I know this is an old thread, but wondered if anyone else had seen a massive increase in hummingbird hawk moths this summer? We seem to have at least 2 resident in our garden, loving the Salvia hotlips and star jasmine by the patio. I have never seen them before. Such amazing creatures.

I’ve seen a couple in my garden this summer and did have to look very closely as they look so like a hummingbird (even though I knew it couldn’t be one of those!) we have a lot of valerian so I think they’re coming for that.

I have seen two this year for the first time ever. I was so pleased as I have wanted to see one for ages.

There are loads around us (East Anglia) I've seen a dozen or so and rescued one from the kitchen too. I've seen them occasionally in previous summers, nothing like this year though!

They love my salvia hot lips.

We've had them on the buddleia in or NE garden. So much excitement in our house.

Aren’t they amazing? We have had loads in our garden this year for some reason. Also masses of peacock butterflies.

Ooh I saw a peacock butterfly in July, beautiful. And the hummingbird hawk moth is a welcome frequent visitor

Never seen one in my life, saw one on my lavender this summer.

I mainly have painted ladies and cinnebar moths (not sure the spelling) - but also had a peacock butterfly.

I have loads of thistles (blush) so I was hoping for more painted ladies, the lavender is generally attracting bees, but the wildflower down the side of my house is new this year so we'll see how it goes next year.

I do think there's fewer insects than I would have seen in my garden as a kid - but - my garden as a kid was in a sheltered warm area, and now I live on the windy side of a mountain, so that might be part of the reason.