The poplar hawk moth is more usually seen at night

Breeds such as hawk moths have been spotted during the day in gardens in areas such as Colwyn Bay, Conwy.

Staff at Conwy Butterfly Jungle said they had received numerous calls from people about sightings of different species of moth.

The centre's Sam Humberstone said warm weather may have tempted the moths out.

"We've had loads of calls about the poplar hawk moths and a couple of people have brought them in here," said Ms Humberstone.

"They are not huge but they are usually hidden away. The nice hot weather seems to have tempted them out."

There are 120,000 species of moths worldwide, compared to around 28,000 butterfly species and they are regarded as "indicators" of the environment, Ms Humberstone added.

A lot of people think they are ugly, but moths are stunning and quite often have very vibrant colours Sam Humberstone, Conwy Butterfly Jungle

"A lot of people think they are ugly, but moths are stunning and quite often have very vibrant colours," she said.

"Last year we had reports of the spectacular humming bird hawk moth around here.

"They are usually found in south Wales, but the good weather attracted them.

"They hover like humming birds, hence the name, and it was unusual to have sightings."

Ysgol San Sior in Llandudno, which has won an award for its moth-trapping project, said numerous moth species had already been spotted this year.

Headmaster Ian Keith Jones said: "We found 219 species of moths throughout last summer, but already this year we have recorded 142 species."

One of the most striking moths caught in the project was a deaths head hawk moth.

"It squeaks like a mouse and I take it to school with me for the children to see, then take it home at night to feed with honey and water," said Mr Jones.