Sunday Night Movie: Darwin’s Moth 8 Comments / insects / By alexwild The BBC covers one of Charles Darwin’s most famous predictions: Tweet Share Google Plus Share Whatsapp reddit Save
MrILoveTheAnts December 6, 2010 at 12:55 am I understand the reasoning to say hawk moth instead of hummingbird, but aren’t there hummingbirds that have similar relationships with flowers? Reply
MrILoveTheAnts December 6, 2010 at 12:56 am I guess what I’m asking is what’s the size difference between the longest tonged hummingbird and this moth. Reply
James.C. Trager December 6, 2010 at 5:59 am The highly diverse South American hummingbirds have lots of variety in bill shape and length, correlated with the features of the flowers they prefer or which predominate in their habitat. Reply
myrmecos December 6, 2010 at 12:17 pm I suspect flower color was a key element in Darwin’s prediction. Hummingbirds go for red, while moths prefer white. Reply
James C. Trager December 6, 2010 at 4:29 pm That, plus this moth is from Madagascar, where no hummingbirds occur. There are nectarivorous sunbirds, with the same color preferen ces as hummers. Reply
Nicholas December 7, 2010 at 8:26 pm Anyone know which documentary this is from? Cheers, Nicholas Reply
myrmecos December 7, 2010 at 8:51 pm I’m not sure- it seems to be a program highlighting the holdings of BMNH. Reply
How incredibly wonderful! Thanks so much for this post.
I understand the reasoning to say hawk moth instead of hummingbird, but aren’t there hummingbirds that have similar relationships with flowers?
I guess what I’m asking is what’s the size difference between the longest tonged hummingbird and this moth.
The highly diverse South American hummingbirds have lots of variety in bill shape and length, correlated with the features of the flowers they prefer or which predominate in their habitat.
I suspect flower color was a key element in Darwin’s prediction. Hummingbirds go for red, while moths prefer white.
That, plus this moth is from Madagascar, where no hummingbirds occur. There are nectarivorous sunbirds, with the same color preferen ces as hummers.
Anyone know which documentary this is from?
Cheers, Nicholas
I’m not sure- it seems to be a program highlighting the holdings of BMNH.