Warmer temperatures in the West Midlands this summer have led to a noticeable increase in sightings of species that were once considered rare in the region. Among them are the hummingbird hawk moth, ivy bees, and the wasp spider. These creatures are now being spotted more frequently, likely due to the changing climate. The hummingbird hawk moth, for example, is known for its distinctive grey fur, orange hindwings, and long proboscis, which it uses to sip nectar from flowers. This species migrates from southern Europe and North Africa each summer and has been increasingly seen in the UK in recent years. James Benwell from the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust called 2026 a "record year" for sightings of the moth, noting that its rapid wingbeats—up to 80 times per second—make it appear almost like a small bird hovering in place. Ivy bees, which rely on ivy flowers for nectar, have also become more common in the Midlands. First recorded in the UK in 2001 and in the region in Stourbridge in 2015, these bees are gradually expanding their range northward. Benwell observed that they are now easy to spot on buildings and other surfaces. Similarly, the clouded yellow butterfly, a migratory species from Europe, has had a notable year due to the unusually hot summer. While most individuals do not survive the British winter, rising temperatures may allow them to become permanent residents in the future. Other species, like the hornet hoverfly and the cricket bat spider, have also become more prevalent. The hornet hoverfly, which mimics the appearance of a hornet to deter predators, cannot actually sting. It was first recorded in the Birmingham and Black Country region in 2004 and has since become common. The cricket bat spider, named for its distinctive markings resembling a cricket bat, has also increased in numbers since its first sighting in 2019. The wasp spider, one of the UK's largest spider species, has been spotted in the Midlands for the first time, having moved more than 100 miles north from its usual habitat. Recent sightings have been recorded in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Warwickshire. Rosemary Winnall from the Wyre Forest Study Group welcomed the arrival of the wasp spider and noted that other species, such as the willow emerald damselfly and the purple emperor butterfly, have also been moving north. While the warm weather has benefited some species, it has also led to declines in others, such as the small tortoiseshell butterfly and the two-spot ladybird. Winnall encouraged people to document the species they see today, as some of these may become rare in the future.