Hummingbird hawk moths appear in record numbers in UK gardens
A record number of hummingbird hawk moths have been spotted in UK gardens, attributed to the hot summer weather.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A record number of hummingbird hawk moths have been spotted in UK gardens this summer, thanks to the long, hot and breezy weather. The insects, which beat their wings 80 times a second, have been seen more often than ever before, delighting gardeners and conservationists alike.
The moths are a striking sight, hovering like hummingbirds as they feed on nectar. They have been appearing at locations such as the National Trust's Stowe Gardens in Buckinghamshire since June. Staff and visitors have described them as fascinating and beautiful, noting that they challenge the common perception of moths as dull, night-flying creatures.
The insects have migrated north from southern Europe and North Africa on warm southerly winds, driven by drought and extreme heat in their native regions. They are an important extra pollinator at a time when many native pollinators are in decline.
Conservationists believe that if UK winters continue to become milder, the moths could become permanent residents. Historically, harsh frosts have killed them off, but milder conditions would allow them to survive in significant numbers through the winter. In some parts of Europe, the hummingbird hawk moth is considered a good-luck charm, and there is a legend that a swarm was seen crossing the English Channel on D-Day.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| Milder winters could lead to the hummingbird hawk moth becoming a permanent resident in the UK. | |
| Record numbers of hummingbird hawk moths have been seen in British gardens this year. | |
| The hummingbird hawk moth beats its wings 80 times per second. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
ITV's coverage focused on the enchanting and personal experience of seeing the moths, using sound and interviews to create a warm, whimsical tone. The report highlighted the moth's potential to become a permanent UK resident due to climate change, and included a historical legend about D-Day. The piece ended with a lighthearted invitation to listen out in the garden.
- “I love them, I think they're fascinating creatures.”
- “They remind me of a bird, which I'm very fond of, and they also perform very well.”
- “Legend has it a swarm was spotted crossing the Channel on D-Day.”
Broadcast Timeline
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