The hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a summer visitor to the UK. They arrive from southern Europe in June and there is some evidence for a return migration in September. Although they do breed here, they can’t yet survive UK winters.
The moth has a wingspan of ~50-60mm. It has a brown, white-spotted abdomen, brown forewings and orange hindwings. It also has a noticeable black and white ‘tail’, which makes it appear even more bird-like.
Their fast-moving wings emit an audible hum (apparently) and beat around 70-80 times a second!
Its inch-long proboscis is well adapted to sip nectar from flowers with long corollas, such as: red valerian, lavender, honeysuckle and buddleia.
Hummingbird hawk moth sightings are thought to be good luck: There is a story that a swarm of the moths was seen flying across the English Channel on D-Day, the day of the Normandy landings in the Second World War.
Frogend dweller's Blog 
Marvelous photos, Allison, not an easy subject!
Thanks. 🤣 It’s a good thing the photography is digital now!
I’ve only seen a hummingbird hawk moth three or four times. This is the version I’ve seen. They are quite something. And what an interesting historical note!
Oh my! What a looker. 🙂
Your photos are fabulous! I have finally got some visiting this garden after planting valerian for precisely that reason. They love the Salvia sclarea too! 😃
Thanks Cathy. This week I’ve also been spotting the moths on other plants (as the valerian goes over), like: echium, phlox and lychnis. I definitely think that there are more of them here this year. PS I finally have lots of bee on my eryngiums 😌. I must be a bit behind you in terms of its flowering stage.
How wonderful! I’ve only seen one in our garden so I’m very envious.
Keep your eye out, as I swear there are many more visiting than we normally see.
Great photos. I love the sound too!
Thanks. You have good ears 🙂
These are amazing photos, Allison and a great sighting!
Thank you Cathy! It’s ridiculous how many are around this year 🙂