UK face invasion by moth that thinks it's a hummingbird

[question everything]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1211187/UK-invaded-moth-thinks-hummingbird.html

UK gardens could soon be invaded by an influx of moths that look remarkably like hummingbirds, due to warmer autumns and winters. The striking hummingbird hawk-moth is a native of North Africa and uses a long feeding tube for sucking nectar out of the flowers. They also have a wingspan of around two inches, with wings beating so fast an audible hum can clearly be heard.

(snip)

The brown, orange and black moth is regularly mistaken for its namesake bird because of its size and the way it hovers with wings flapping as it explores flowers for food. The moths are particularly fond of buddleia, lavender and honeysuckle, and can live for up to eight months. Real hummingbirds are slightly larger.

(snip)


Experts believe the moths will become an increasingly common visitor to British gardens with climate change.

(snip)

[XemaSab]

1. The likelihood of confusing a moth for a hummingbird in Britain

is very small.

[tocqueville]

2. the first time I saw one I was very confused....

I thought it was impossible in Europe unless it was an escaped bird from some "zoo". They do look like a hummingbird.

[Bobbieo]

3. Hummingbirds exist only in the Western hemisphere. You could

have confused me with this photo. I live in an area that has 14 hummingbird species.

[Dead_Parrot]

4. Well, it's true they don't they don't have hummingbirds.

But then they don't normally have these critters, either. I'd probably assume it was an escaped hummingbird, just because they're on TV more.

Which is kind of sad, when you think about it. :(

[tabatha]

5. There are similar ones right here in CA.

[question everything]

6. Wow! That's amazing!

When we lived in SoCal we had a hummingbird feeder. It has several ports but, of course, like most wild animals, would not tolerate anyone sharing the feeder - unless two were exactly on opposite sides.

I wonder whether they go after the same flowers.

[Indenturedebtor]

7. I dunno why but I find that thing extremely disturbing...

WAY too bird like. Give it another 10 million years and it'll start talking... blech creepy.

But still cool :D