The convolvulus hawk moth, known in Maltese as baħrija tal-leblieb, is the second largest moth of the Maltese islands, the largest being the death’s head hawk moth (baħrija ta’ ras il-mewt).

The convolvulus hawk moth is common throughout Europe, Africa and Australia. It is also common in Malta and its numbers are sometimes supplanted by migrating moths. The eggs are laid on several species of convolvulus, common plants popularly known as bindweeds, leblieb in Maltese.

This moth has greyish wings which help camouflage it against dark backgrounds such as tree trunks. It has pink markings on the hind wings and a row of black, pink and white markings on both sides of the abdomen, which most of the time are hidden beneath the forewings.

It spends the day resting and emerges at sunset. With some luck one might see this hawk moth hovering opposite a flower and inserting its long tongue inside it to sip nectar. Like many other species of moths it is attracted to light. Sometimes they can be seen on walls close to street lights in rural areas.

The convolvulus is one of six species of hawk moth that are found in the Maltese islands. One of the six, the Maltese spurge hawk moth, is endemic, that is, it is found only in the Maltese islands.

Hawk moths are found throughout the world but are more common in tropical areas. Many are large and are strong fliers and can fly for long distances. Hawk moths are among the fastest flying insects. Some species can reach a speed of 50 kph. Their narrow wings and streamlined body are adaptations for this behaviour.

Some species can hover in mid-air while feeding. The hummingbird hawk moth can often be seen hovering above flowers of the lantana during the day in public gardens such as Buskett and San Anton.

Some hawk moths can even move rapidly from side to side while hovering. This behaviour probably evolved to outmanoeuvre predators that lie in wait in flowers.

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