Hawkmoths

Hawkmoths are found worldwide. Many of them are spectacular insects and the British ones include the largest moths seen in these islands. They are streamlined and fast flying with most kinds appearing at dusks, hovering over flowers.

Popularly known as hawk moths because of their shape, power and manoeuvrability, they belong to the family Sphingdale, named after the mysterious Sphinx from the Greek mythology.

17 species of hawks-moth occur in the British Isles and of these a remarkable 14 have been found in Alderney.