Humming-bird Hawk-moth

Finally, another sighting of this magnificent creature - the Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum. This is a frequent immigrant from southern Europe and north Africa and I haven't recorded this moth since 23/09/07. From the photograph above, the moth is feeding on Salvia microphylla ‘Wild Watermelon’ , a must have plant for any nature enthusiast. It has one of the longest flowering periods of any plant in my garden, attracts numerous bees (as well as the moth above), and is very easy for taking cuttings.

Please visit the following website and record any sightings of this moth :
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/sightings/1096/hummingbird_hawk_moth.html.
It is very interesting to see if anyone else in your area has seen this moth using the interactive map on this website. Somebody in Thatcham saw one on the same day as me (09/09/10), and of course you start to wonder if it was the same individual.
Note the picture on the website! It also shows the moth feeding on a type of Salvia - Buy one to increase your chances of attracting this enigmatic species.