3-Apr-2026
Secret night operations between #moths and colored-nectar flowers
Nocturnal #hawkmoths found to pollinate #flowers that produce colored #nectar for the first time

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1122197 #science #ecology #pollinators

Secret night operations between moths and colored-nectar flowers

Researchers Soma Chiyoda, Ko Mochizuki, and Atsushi Kawakita from the University of Tokyo have discovered that nocturnal hawkmoths are the main pollinators of Jasminanthes mucronata, a plant species native to Japan that produces black nectar. This is the first time that a colored-nectar flower is confirmed to be mainly pollinated by nocturnal insects. The discovery thus promotes further research into this so far unexplored ecology. The findings were published in the journal Ecology.

EurekAlert!
Usually I see many clearwing hummingbird moths (Hemaris thysbe), this one on Monarda fistulosa. This year I have seen far fewer. Hopefully populations return to normal levels next summer.

#sphinxmoths #hawkmoths #moths #hemaristhysbe #clearwinghummingbirdmoth #pollinators

We welcome the 2nd plenary speaker at #ABL2025. 🙌

Dr. Anna Stöckl (Universität Konstanz) reveals how insect pollinators interpret floral patterns to guide foraging. From hawkmoth vision to neural templates—this talk will bridge behaviour, neuroethology & sensory biology. 🦋🪻

#InsectVision #Neuroethology #Pollinators #Hawkmoths

A hummingbird hawk-moth was flying among the lavender flowers when @Konenpanien and I were on the way to the supermarket this morning. We don't always have the opportunity to see one that stays among the same flowers long enough to film it. It's a pity we didn't have a better camera with us.

#butterflies #hawkmoths #polinators #wildlife #stuttgart

Saw this beauty on our fading choisya. A lime hawk moth that looks as though it may have recently emerged from its chrysalis. #moths #hawkmoths #inseects #entymology

A rare #orchid survives on a few tracts of #prairie. Researchers want to learn its secrets https://phys.org/news/2024-08-rare-orchid-survives-tracts-prairie.html

"The orchid is a unique insight into its nearly vanished ecosystem—the #TallgrassPrairie—as well as for understanding connectedness with pollinators and other plants... The orchid's only known #pollinators are #hawkmoths, big #moths that are just the right fit and size to reach the orchid's nectar, in a long spur, while also pollinating the plant."

A rare orchid survives on a few tracts of prairie. Researchers want to learn its secrets

On a remote tallgrass prairie in North Dakota, a secretive orchid pokes up from the ground. You'll only find it if you know where to look.

Phys.org
Bedstraw Hawk-moth, Hyles gallii Canon 400D EF 100 2.8 f/4 1/320 iso: 400 Srbsko, Czech Republic 6/5/2010
#mothsMatter #Sphingidae #hawkmoths #moths #macro #insects #invertebrates #grasslands
Spotting this hummingbird hawk moth has made my day.
#hawkmoths #nature
A female clear-wing hawkmoth (Cephonodes hylas) is visiting the Gardenia tree in our yard to lay her eggs. I love watching their super energetic aerial show! The tree already has some larvae living in it as well. #biodiversity #hawkmoths #Sphingidae #garden