Observation date: August 12, 2022
Submitted by: pamela h.
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: The Hawkmoth was in my garden. The garden has many Maine native plants. The Hawkmoth especially liked Bergamot but did visit the Liatris; all plants were different shades of purple. The temperature was 71 degrees Fahrenheit; the sky was overcast but with occasional breakthroughs of sunlight. The Hawkmoth was very active, flitting from plant to plant. The Hawkmoth circled around the flower head while feeding, staying only for thirty to forty seconds by a flower head, then would go to another flower head, repeating the same feeding behavior. The Hawkmoth did not mind my presence which allowed me to get close but not take a very clear picture as the moth never stopped moving. The Hawkmoth was approximately an inch to an inch and a quarter long- hard to tell, the moth was fast.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Sue Gregoire
Verified date: August 13, 2022
Coordinator notes: Yes, the common names can be confusing. Scientific names are the same everywhere so are preferred worldwide.
