Warmer temperatures across the West Midlands this summer have led to increased sightings of insect species previously considered unusual in the region. The hummingbird hawk moth, a migratory species from southern Europe and north Africa, was recorded in record numbers during the current year. The distinctive moth, characterized by its grey body, orange hindwings, and extended proboscis, is frequently mistaken for a small bird due to its hovering behavior over flowers and rapid wing beats of approximately 80 times per second.
Ivy bees, which primarily feed on ivy flower nectar, have also become more prevalent in the Midlands. First recorded in the UK in 2001, these bees have been gradually spreading northward and were initially documented in the region at Stourbridge in 2015. Additional species experiencing population increases include the clouded yellow butterfly, a European migratory species known to flourish during unusually hot summers, and the hornet hoverfly, first recorded in Birmingham and the Black Country in 2004. The cricket bat spider, named for its distinctive markings, has become more common in grassland areas since its initial regional sighting in 2019.
The wasp spider, one of the UK’s largest spider species, has been documented in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Warwickshire, representing a range expansion of more than 100 miles from its typical habitat. This arrival accompanies sightings of other northward-migrating species including the willow emerald damselfly, southern oak bush cricket, and purple emperor butterfly. Additional arrivals include the western conifer seed bug and box bug. Warmer conditions have also benefited sun-loving butterfly species such as the holly blue and pearl-bordered fritillary, a species that was once widespread but experienced significant population decline in recent decades.
Despite the expansion of numerous species into the region, some previously common insects are experiencing declining populations. The small tortoiseshell butterfly is now rarely observed, and sightings of the two-spot ladybird have substantially decreased. Wildlife monitoring groups are actively documenting current species distributions, noting that common insects of today may become rare in the future.
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