15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Migration Rest

This Death's Head Hawkmoth is sitting on a post high in the Swiss Alps, looking South. She is taking a rest during an arduous migration from Northern Europe right into Africa, covering thousands of kilometres. However, what is truly incredible is the fact that no-one has taught her the route she follows. She carries out a multi-generation strategy and so will only ever migrate in one direction.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2017
Photo Location: Switzerland
Camera: NIKON D500
Copyright: © William Hawkes