Hummingbird moths are insects often mistaken for tiny birds due to their unique flight and feeding behaviors. Their rapid wingbeats and hovering over flowers can easily lead observers to believe they’ve spotted a hummingbird. This resemblance, coupled with their elusive nature, frequently prompts questions about their rarity.
Are They Truly Rare?
Hummingbird moths are not rare; they are common across many parts of the world. These moths belong to the Sphingidae family, also known as sphinx moths or hawkmoths, which includes over 1,400 species globally. Several species within this family are commonly referred to as hummingbird moths, such as the Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe) and the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) in North America, and the Hummingbird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) in Eurasia.
These moths have a widespread geographic distribution, adapting to various environments. For instance, Hemaris thysbe can be found from Alaska to Florida and across Canada, while Macroglossum stellatarum ranges from Portugal to Japan and throughout warmer climates in Europe and North Africa. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse habitats, from meadows and forest edges to cultivated gardens and urban areas. This broad presence underscores their commonality.
Factors Contributing to Perceived Rarity
Despite their prevalence, people often perceive hummingbird moths as rare because of their mimicry and specific behaviors. Their physical appearance, including a fuzzy body and coloration similar to hummingbirds, combined with their flight patterns, makes them convincing look-alikes. This mimicry provides a protective advantage, as birds, a primary predator of moths, typically avoid hummingbirds.
Hummingbird moths exhibit a rapid, darting flight, hovering in front of flowers while feeding, much like hummingbirds. Their wings beat so quickly, between 30 to 40 times per second for Hemaris thysbe, that they become almost invisible, creating an audible hum. While many moths are nocturnal, several hummingbird moth species are crepuscular, active during dawn and dusk, or even diurnal, flying during the day. People are less likely to be observing gardens closely during these times, leading to fewer sightings.
Their relatively small size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.25 inches, also contributes to their elusive nature compared to actual hummingbirds, which can be larger. The clear inner sections of their wings further enhance their transparent appearance, making them harder to spot. These combined factors lead many to believe they have witnessed a rare event when encountering these common insects.
Where to Spot Them
To observe hummingbird moths, focus on areas rich in flowering plants, as adults primarily feed on nectar. They are found in gardens, meadows, and woodlands. These moths are attracted to flowers with long tubular corollas, such as honeysuckle, bee balm, phlox, petunias, and verbena, which allow them to use their long proboscis.
The best times to look for them reinforce their crepuscular or diurnal habits. While some species are active throughout the day, they are most noticeable during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. Observing your garden during these periods, particularly around nectar-rich flowers, increases the chance of witnessing these insects in action.