Moth hawk moths are amazing creatures. They are called "northern hummingbirds" because of their gigantic (for insects) size, and also because of their feeding habits. Just like miniature tropical birds, hawk moths drink the nectar of flowers, hovering over them in flight. Another name for these amazing insects is sphinxes.
Look at this miracle
When looking at photographs of butterflies, you involuntarily hold your eyes on them. Their appearance is very unusual. The large, hairy body is very thick. It kind of looks like a jet plane. The wingspan is up to ten centimeters on average! Individuals are known that are five centimeters larger than the average specimens. The speed of their movement is amazing for butterflies - it can reach fifty kilometers per hour. On the back and wings there is a clear characteristic ornament that allows you to distinguish them from their relatives. After all, the species of butterflies in Russia are extremely numerous.
Lifestyle
For the most part, these insects are nocturnal. However, some fly indaytime. The caterpillars of these butterflies have a long outgrowth at the end of the body. These horned creatures also have a very thick and large body. Many hawk moths are listed in the Red Book. In some areas, several species of these insects can be found. Bedstraw hawk and small wine hawk moth are extremely bright butterflies, they are found in Russia. In particular, in the Lipetsk region. The proboscis hawk (tongue) is really very similar to a small bird - children especially notice this similarity.
Mysterious insects
Since ancient times, hawk moths have caused many superstitions among the people. This is most likely due to their colorful and unusual appearance, size and color, as well as their nocturnal lifestyle. Superstitious people attributed butterflies to kinship with evil spirits. Another feature of hawks also frightened people - the ability to make quite loud sounds. The mechanism of squeaking and creaking that can be heard from this butterfly has not been fully elucidated. Alfred Bram attributed this property to the proboscis of a butterfly. But scientists have yet to understand what actually happens to the insect. Brazhnik loves to eat honey. To do this, the butterfly can fearlessly enter the bee hive! Some entomologists put forward versions that the quiet creaking sounds made by hawkweed are similar to the sounds of a queen bee, which have a hypnotizing effect on bees. This allows the butterfly to divert the attention of the insects in the hive and eat the honey fearlessly. But even if the bees attack her, she will easily fight off with strong wings. But hawk hawk is harmful to hivesinsignificant. The butterfly cannot damage the condition of the apiary - it should never be exterminated. After all, she is a rarity, a unique representative of nature. If you are lucky enough to find a live hawk moth that has flown into the entrance or room, try to carefully catch it and release it into the wild. By doing this, you will contribute to the preservation of the unique species of beautiful butterflies. Moreover, you should not specifically catch hawk hawk for fun or collecting.
