Hawk moth feeding from nettles?

[Gerel]

Hi all,

today I saw what, from size and shape, can only have been a hawk moth of some description. I was too far away to see it clearly, however it seemed to be feeding from nettle flowers. was fairly pale and alternated between hovering at the flowers and darting very rapidly (and seemingly somewhat uncoordinately) to the next patch. I haven't seen any hawk moths feeding around here before so would be grateful for any suggestions as to what may be likely to be found on and around nettles.

(no photos unfortunately, although I will try and track it down tomorrow I suspect it's a long shot)


Steve

[Acutipuerilis]

Try Hummingbird Hawk Moth - it's the only one I can think of that flies the way you describe, and they'll take nectar from a wide range of flowers.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Acutipuerilis

Try Hummingbird Hawk Moth - it's the only one I can think of that flies the way you describe, and they'll take nectar from a wide range of flowers.

My thoughts too. If it was smaller, Silver-Y is another possibility-I've known several people confuse the latter for the former species.