Oleander hawk-moth confirmed in Portugal for the first time

Entomologists Eduardo Marabuto and Albano Soares have documented the first confirmed occurrences in Portugal of the oleander hawk-moth (Daphnis nerii), one of Europe's largest moths, in a study published in Zoodiversity. Five records were found between 2014 and 2024, including proof of local breeding found in Montijo in 2018. The species, native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean basin, appears to be expanding westward, likely aided by climate change, with sightings rising across European countries in recent years. Researchers say it is not yet established as a resident species but could become one if warming continues.