Have you spotted a hummingbird hawk-moth this summer? Here's why...

A spectacular moth which beats its wings more than 80 times a second has become a regular sight in gardens across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire following the summer heatwaves.

The hummingbird hawk-moth, which resembles its tiny American namesake as it hovers over flowers, normally journeys to Britain from southern Europe.

Traditionally considered a niche favourite among nature enthusiasts, the insect has been propelled into the mainstream this year by the sheer number of sightings.

Experts believe strong winds and warmer temperatures associated with the heatwaves have pushed more hummingbird hawk-moths across the Channel. Their foodplants in continental Europe may also have been badly affected by the heat and drought.

The moth uses its long proboscis, which works like a cross between a tongue and a straw, to suck up nectar while hovering above flowers.

Logan Walker, of the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), said: “I had only ever seen one once before this year, and they’re now a near-daily sighting – but my excitement is tempered by a concern for a species that’s forced to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.”

Hummingbird hawk-moths are among the many butterflies and moths spotted across the three counties during the hot summer.

There are 60 species of butterfly in the UK, around 40 of which can be found across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. But these are vastly outnumbered by moths, with approximately 2,500 species found nationally.

Although moths have a reputation as elusive, brown creatures of the night, many species are active during the day and boast vibrant colours and intricate patterns to rival butterflies.

Mr Walker said: “It looks to have been a good year for lepidoptera, the group of winged insects which includes butterflies and moths. It’s too soon for the latest population data, but we’ve seen a lot of them on the wing.”

Butterflies and moths are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, so the warm conditions helped them search for nectar, find mates and lay their eggs.

But BBOWT has warned that the apparent abundance of insects this summer does not tell the whole story.

Heatwaves and droughts, which are increasing as a result of human-caused climate change, can cause plants to turn brown, shrivel and die back prematurely.

Before becoming butterflies or moths, the insects are caterpillars which often depend on particular plants for food. The full consequences of this summer’s conditions may therefore not become apparent until future generations emerge.

Mr Walker said: “Before butterflies are butterflies, they’re caterpillars. And caterpillars need plants to feed on, usually very specific plants.

“With many caterpillar food plants dying back early, we’ll need to look beyond this year to see the full impact.”

Another colourful visitor being seen more frequently is the clouded yellow, a lemon-and-lime-coloured butterfly which migrates to Britain from Europe and North Africa.

The species is known for occasional “clouded yellow years”, when greater numbers reach Britain than usual, meaning it remains unclear whether this year’s increase goes beyond its normal fluctuations.

Mr Walker said: “I saw my first clouded yellow when visiting a BBOWT chalk grassland nature reserve on the Chiltern Hills, though it was too active to pose for my camera.

“More recently, I spotted a flash of yellow shortly after leaving the house, and saw one calmly perched on the grass verge of a suburban estate – a reminder that nature always has the capacity to turn up when we don’t expect.”

BBOWT manages nature reserves to provide foodplants for caterpillars, nectar for butterflies and moths, and suitable habitats in which they can lay their eggs. It also advises landowners across the region on creating spaces for wildlife.

Mr Walker added: “While nature is full of surprises, and is resilient and adaptable in the face of change, we can’t ignore its limits.

“This year has made it clearer than ever that butterflies and moths don’t have boundaries, and their future depends on action for nature and climate beyond our countries.”