Macroglossum trochilus explained

Macroglossum trochilus, the African hummingbird hawk-moth, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. It is very common in most habitats throughout southern and eastern Africa and in the Comoro Islands.^[1]

Adults are frequently seen at flowers in full sunshine.

The length of the forewings is 15–18 mm.

The tail of the pupa moves when the pupa is disturbed or possibly in harm's way.

References

• Pinhey, E. (1962): Hawk Moths of Central and Southern Africa. Longmans Southern Africa, Cape Town.

Notes and References

1. Carcasson . R. H. . Robert Herbert Carcasson . 1967 . Revised Catalogue of the African Sphingidae (Lepidoptera) with Descriptions of the East African species . Journal of the East Africa Natural History Society and National Museum . 26 . 3 . 1–173 . Biodiversity Heritage Library.