大量蜂鸟鹰蛾近期在英国花园中被目击。[1] 这种来自欧洲大陆和北非的飞蛾以其独特的飞行方式引起关注——其翅膀每秒拍打约80次。[1] 英国蝴蝶保护慈善机构官员Richard Austin表示："我们今年收到了大量关于蜂鸟鹰蛾的目击和咨询。"[1] 6月30日，目击者Luke Burstow在苏塞克斯地区记录到了这一现象。[1]
专家认为，热浪和强风将这些昆虫从欧洲大陆带至英国。[1] 蜂鸟鹰蛾幼虫以夫人床草和篱笆床草等英国常见野花为食，这为其在本地的生存创造了条件。[1] 展望未来，2026年可能成为该物种在英国的丰收年。若英国冬季气温继续上升，这种飞蛾有可能从单纯的迁徙物种演变为定居物种。[1]
A species of hawkmoth originating from continental Europe and North Africa has been appearing in unusually large numbers across UK gardens this year. [1] The insects, characterized by their distinctive grey bodies and orange wings, have attracted considerable attention from both the public and wildlife experts.
Richard Austin, an official from the British butterfly conservation charity, stated: "We have received a large volume of sightings and inquiries about hawkmoths this year." [1] One documented sighting occurred on June 30, 2026, when Luke Burstow spotted the moth in Sussex. [1] Experts attribute the arrival of these insects to heat waves and strong winds, which have facilitated their migration across the Channel. [1] The hawkmoth's wings beat approximately 80 times per second, enabling the distinctive hovering flight for which the species is known. [1]
Should current climatic conditions persist, the hawkmoth may transition from a seasonal migratory visitor to a permanent resident species in the UK. [1] The species' larvae feed on common British wildflowers including lady's bedstraw and hedge bedstraw, suggesting the potential for successful breeding populations if populations establish. [1] 2026 may mark an abundant year for the hawkmoth in Britain, with implications for its future status in the region. [1]