ProSvaneti
An Unusual Visitor on the Porch: Convolvulus Hawk-Moth in Svaneti
An account of a rare meeting with the convolvulus hawk-moth—one of the largest nocturnal butterflies with a wingspan exceeding 10 cm. A description of its unique features: the ability to hover in the air like a hummingbird, a long proboscis for extracting nectar, and striking pink stripes on its abdomen. Information about the safety and behavioral characteristics of this remarkable insect.
🦋 An Unusual Visitor on Our Porch
Yesterday, a real nighttime "aircraft" landed on us—the convolvulus hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli).
It's one of the largest nocturnal butterflies: its wingspan can exceed 10 centimeters. The hawk-moth flies swiftly, and near flowers it can hover in the air almost like a hummingbird. It extracts nectar using an remarkably long proboscis—sometimes longer than the butterfly's own body.
At first glance, our visitor appears almost entirely gray. But the moment it unfolds its wings, bright pink, black, and white stripes along the sides of its abdomen become visible.
Despite its impressive and somewhat alien appearance, the hawk-moth is completely harmless: it doesn't bite or sting.
Such is our small encounter with wildlife right here on the porch in Svaneti. 🏔️
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