Macroglossum

Scopoli, 1777

Hummingbird Hawkmoths

Species Guides

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Macroglossum is a of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) known for their rapid, hovering and or activity patterns. The genus contains approximately 100 distributed across the Old World, with the most extensively studied species being Macroglossum stellatarum, the Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Members possess elongated adapted for nectar feeding from tubular flowers. Several species exhibit migratory , with individuals capable of long-distance movements across continental Europe and into Africa. The genus serves as an important group, with some species showing specialized coevolutionary relationships with particular plant species.

Macroglossum by (c) Drepanostoma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Drepanostoma. Used under a CC-BY license.Macroglossum stellatarum by (c) Céline, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Céline. Used under a CC-BY license.Hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) in flight by Charles J. Sharp . Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Macroglossum: /ˌmækroʊˈɡlɒsəm/

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Distribution

Palearctic, Oriental, and Australasian regions; individual have more restricted ranges. Macroglossum stellatarum occurs across Europe, North Africa, and Asia; Macroglossum pyrrhosticta has been documented in Northwestern India including the Gangetic Plains Biogeographic Zone.

Diet

feed on nectar from flowers. Macroglossum stellatarum has been observed feeding from Lavandula latifolia and shows innate visual preferences for blue (440 nm) and yellow-green (540 nm) wavelengths when seeking floral resources. Larvae feed on specific plants; Macroglossum pyrrhosticta has documented larval host associations though specific plant names are not detailed in available sources.

Behavior

of Macroglossum stellatarum are obligate day-flyers, exhibiting peak foraging activity in evening hours (18:00–20:00 GMT) under Mediterranean summer conditions. The demonstrates strong visual position stabilization during hovering , enabling precise feeding while stationary relative to flowers. Macroglossum stellatarum shows advanced colour learning capabilities, with naïve individuals capable of associating specific colours with rewards and reversing learned preferences. Innate extension responses occur to blue and yellow visual stimuli, with weaker responses to red. Olfactory preferences are independent of visual cues and additive when combined. Thoracic temperature during foraging remains within 39–46°C despite ambient temperatures of 19–36°C, indicating active . Some exhibit migratory , with individuals flying southward across Europe to areas in the Mediterranean basin and potentially Africa.

Ecological Role

Important of tubular flowers. Macroglossum stellatarum serves as a documented pollinator of Viola cazorlensis in southern Spain, with this violet hypothesized to have evolved flowering synchronized with periods. The species contributes to nutrient transfer across latitudes through migratory movements and subsequent decomposition. Migrating individuals transport pollen over distances of 50+ kilometers, facilitating among plant .

Human Relevance

Macroglossum stellatarum is frequently mistaken for hummingbirds due to its hovering and appearance, making it a notable for public engagement with entomology. The species has been the subject of extensive research on insect vision, learning, and flight mechanics. Negative interactions have been documented with the plant Oenothera speciosa in Italy, where become trapped with stuck to flowers, representing a potential conservation concern.

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