Hummingbird hawk moth spotted in Cork as climate change brings more southern species to Ireland

It looks almost exactly like a small hummingbird and beats its wings nearly as fast. But it’s actually a moth and has been appearing in greater numbers in Irish gardens this summer, having migrated from its usual feeding grounds in the Southern Mediterranean and North Africa.

Experts say it is one of a number of more "somewhat exotic species" we are likely encounter in the years to come in Ireland as global warming takes an increasing hold on this country.

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