Hummingbird moths are insects often mistaken for their avian namesakes due to their hovering flight and nectar-feeding habits. While their unique appearance and behavior can make them seem uncommon, these moths are generally widespread across their native ranges.
Identifying Hummingbird Moths
Hummingbird moths are a type of sphinx moth (family Sphingidae). They have thick, furry bodies, often colored olive green, burgundy, yellow, or reddish-brown. Their long proboscis, a straw-like mouthpart, coils up under their chin when not in use. Their wings beat rapidly, creating an audible hum and allowing them to hover, much like hummingbirds.
These moths differ from actual hummingbirds in several ways. Hummingbird moths have prominent, fuzzy antennae, often thicker at the tip, unlike birds. They also have six legs. Many species, such as the Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe) and Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis), have mostly transparent wings with dark borders, as scales fall off after their first flight.
Frequency of Sightings
Hummingbird moths are not rare and are commonly found across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe), for example, is widespread throughout eastern North America, from southern Labrador to Alaska and south to Florida and Texas. Their perceived rarity often stems from their unique behavior and appearance, which can lead to misidentification.
These moths are day-flying, or diurnal, unlike most moths active at night. They dart quickly from flower to flower, staying at each bloom briefly. This fast, darting flight, combined with their ability to blend into their environment, can make them difficult to spot and identify. Their activity times, which include sunny afternoons, may not always align with when people are observing their gardens.
Where and When to Observe Them
Hummingbird moths frequent a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, and forest edges. They are often seen near flowering plants that provide ample nectar. Preferred nectar sources include honeysuckle, bee balm, phlox, petunias, and verbena. They are particularly drawn to tubular flowers, which their long proboscis is well-suited to access.
The best time to observe these moths is during the day, especially on sunny afternoons. In many regions, they are most active from late spring through early fall. For example, in Wisconsin, adults are seen in mid-summer. Depending on the location and temperature, there can be one or more generations per year, with pupae overwintering in leaf litter.
Their Ecological Role
Hummingbird moths play a role as pollinators. Their long proboscis allows them to reach nectar deep within flowers, including those with long, tube-shaped corollas that other pollinators might not access. As they feed, they inadvertently transfer pollen between flowers, contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Adult hummingbird moths feed on nectar from various flowering plants. Their larvae, often called hornworms, have a different diet, feeding on the leaves of specific host plants. These host plants include honeysuckle, dogbane, hawthorn, cherry, plum, and viburnum.