The little flyer, which buzzes from blossom to blossom and sucks on the nectar with its long trunk, is reminiscent of a hummingbird on the outside. But it is actually a migratory butterfly from the Mediterranean region, which is now spending the winter in Germany more and more often and in large numbers.

The hummingbird-like insect can now be found more and more frequently in our latitudes

Immigration in April

The dovetail, scientifically Macroglossa stellatarum, is originally native to the Mediterranean region. If there is strong competition for food due to mass reproduction, many specimens develop an enormous migratory instinct.

With small stopovers to refuel with nectar, pigeon tails manage to cover more than 1,000 km in just one week. They can also be found north of the Alps every year from April. As a rule, you only stay for the summer and make your way home in good time before winter sets in.

Notice:
Although the dovetail is a member of the nocturnal family, it can also be seen flying from flower to flower at a rapid pace during the day.

More and more pigeon tails are permanent guests

It can be observed more and more that not every little pigeon tail makes its way home, but spends the winter with us instead. Experts suspect that this is due to global warming, which is bringing milder winters to some regions.

The lifespan of a pigeon tail is only four to five months, but several generations follow each year. Greenish caterpillars hatch from the eggs laid in the garden, and the moths follow in the further development stage.

Search for winter quarters

The approximately 4 cm large adult animals do not tolerate sub-zero temperatures and therefore have to look for a frost-free winter shelter in autumn. They welcome a hollow tree, but also a dark cellar.

Spotted dovetails in winter

What to do if a pigeon tail is spotted somewhere in your own four walls?
Most often he will hide in the basement or in the attic and will not bother the homeowner. But this can harm the butterfly out of ignorance.

  • Butterfly is in hibernation
  • should not be disturbed
  • do not bring into warm rooms
  • the "awakened" dovetail would starve in it
  • carefully catch lost specimens in living quarters
  • bring to garage, basement to attic
  • provide an opportunity for departure in the spring
  • for example through a slightly open window

Category:

Animals in the garden