Hummingbird hawk moths and ivy bees: The insects thriving as temperatures rise
Summary
Warmer temperatures in the West Midlands have led to more sightings of insects like the hummingbird hawk moth, ivy bees, and the wasp spider. These species, some coming from southern Europe and other regions, are becoming more common as the climate changes.Key Facts
- The hummingbird hawk moth migrates from southern Europe and North Africa in summer and was seen in record numbers in 2026 in the West Midlands.
- Ivy bees, first found in the UK in 2001, have spread further north, including parts of the Midlands since 2015.
- The clouded yellow butterfly, a European migrant, is appearing more often during hot summers and may become a permanent resident if the climate warms further.
- Species usually found in southern England, like the hornet hoverfly and the cricket bat spider, are now more common in the Midlands.
- The wasp spider, one of the UK’s largest spiders, has been spotted over 100 miles from its typical habitat due to rising temperatures.
- Wildlife groups in Worcestershire are tracking new species moving north, such as the willow emerald damselfly, southern oak bush cricket, and purple emperor butterfly.
- Changes in insect and spider populations are linked to ongoing climate change and warming weather in the UK.
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