Humming Bird Hawmoth

[Barrie Harwood]

Whilst in my garden in the south UK 2 weekends ago, (9/10th May 98), I was
extremely suprised to see a Hummingbird Hawkmoth (M. stellatarum),
attempting to feed from Aubretia hanging over a low wall. The air temp was
about 22 celsius.

I have never seen a living example before. Is this likely to have been a
hibernated UK bred specimen or an individual on migration from a warmer
climate?

Regards

Barrie