An influx of palm-sized moths, called the Convolvulus Hawk-moth, has hit Britain, according to The Telegraph. The moth typically migrates from southern Europe to Britain during the beginning of autumn, making the recent sighting earlier than expected.
The Convolvulus is one of the largest moths in Europe and feeds on nectar from tobacco plants and wine using its 7.5cm-long proboscis.
"It has already been an amazing year for moth immigration and such activity usually peaks in early autumn," said Richard Fox, head of recording at Butterfly Conservation. "With migrants such as the massive Convolvulus Hawk-moth mixing with beautiful home-grown autumnal species, Moth Night is a great opportunity to discover the hidden wonders of our nocturnal wildlife at a public event or even in your own back garden."
Over the last 15 years, approximately 40 species of these particular moths have made an appearance in the UK for the first time, according to the Daily Mail. The increase in their numbers can potentially be used to reveal information regarding the effects of climate change on UK moth populations.
Moth researchers have been color-marking select moths at locations with high migration in preparation for moth night, which takes place on September 10-12, according to Mirror. On this night, the movement of the marked moths will be observed to learn more about their migration.
