Week 30: Hummingbird Hawk-moth (‘Macroglossum stellatarum’)

The hummingbird hawk-moth was @SpeciesofUK from 28^th July to 3^rd August, 2013.

There are over 2,400 species of moth in the UK.[1] The hummingbird hawk-moth is one of the most unusual-looking.

Hummingbird Hawk-moth
[Source: Flickr Creative Commons © wnd.andreas]

The hummingbird hawk-moth is a member of the Sphingidae family, alongside 1,450 other hawk moths, hornworms and sphinx moths worldwide. Most Sphingidae are found in the tropics, but seventeen are seen regularly in the UK.[2] 

Week 29: Water Boatmen (‘Corixa’ and ‘Notonecta’)

Water boatmen were @SpeciesofUK from 14^th to 24^th July, 2013.

Water boatmen are aquatic bugs that live in ponds and slow-flowing streams.[1]

Greater Water Boatman
[Source: Flickr Creative Commons © JRxpo]

In the UK, water boatmen are grouped into ‘lesser’ water boatmen (Corixidae and Pleidae species) and ‘greater’ water boatmen (Notonectidae). The simplest difference between the two is that lesser water boatmen swim on their front and greater on their back.[2]

Week 28: Primrose (‘Primula vulgaris’)

The primrose was @SpeciesofUK from 7^th to 13^th July, 2013.

The familiar wild, pale yellow primrose is one of the early signs of spring. Its appearance coincides with the first daffodils. They appear together in damp grass or light woodland.[1]

Primrose Flowers
[Source: Flickr Creative Commons © wwarby]

The name "primrose" is derived from "prima rosa" (first flower) because it blooms so early[2]

Week 27: Starling (‘Sturnus vulgaris’)

The starling was @SpeciesofUK from 30^th June to 6^th July, 2013.

The UK's starling, Sturnus vulgaris, is also known as the Common Starling or European Starling.[1] It is one of 114 starling species worldwide, all members of the Sturnidae family.[2]

The Common Starling
[Source: Flickr Creative Commons © David A. Hofmann]