Hummingbird moths, often called clearwing moths, are insects that mimic their avian namesakes. These creatures have robust bodies, long wings, and a remarkable ability to hover while feeding, much like hummingbirds. They also produce an audible hum from their rapidly beating wings. This unique behavior and appearance make them a delightful sight in many gardens and natural landscapes.
Worldwide Presence
Hummingbird moths have a broad geographical distribution across multiple continents. In North America, species like the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) and the Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe) are widespread. The Snowberry Clearwing is abundant in the western regions, while the Hummingbird Clearwing is more common in the east, extending from Alaska and Canada south to Florida and Texas.
In the “Old World” (Europe, Asia, and North Africa), the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is prevalent. This species is found from Portugal eastward to Japan, breeding primarily in warmer climates like southern Europe. While different species exist globally, they generally inhabit temperate regions, adapting to various climatic conditions.
Favorite Haunts
Hummingbird moths seek environments that provide necessary resources. They are frequently observed in gardens, meadows, and open woodlands. They also thrive in suburban areas and fields, especially where nectar-rich flowers are abundant.
Adult hummingbird moths primarily feed on nectar, using their long proboscis to access deep-throated flowers. Preferred nectar sources include bee balm (Monarda), honeysuckle (Lonicera), phlox (Phlox), and verbena (Verbena), along with other fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. For their larval stage, known as hornworms, host plants like honeysuckle, dogbane, hawthorn, cherry, plum, and viburnum are necessary for egg-laying.
Journeying Through Seasons
Hummingbird moth presence is seasonal, influenced by their life cycle and migratory behaviors. In North America, some Hemaris species migrate, though the consistency and regularity of these movements are still being studied. Adult moths may start flying in early spring, with peak activity during summer when many flowers are in bloom.
Many species overwinter as pupae. Caterpillars, after reaching full size, drop to the ground and spin a loose cocoon, often partially buried in leaf litter, remaining there through colder months. In contrast, the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) in Eurasia typically overwinters as an adult, seeking shelter in crevices among rocks, trees, or buildings. While they generally do not survive harsh northern winters, some individuals may emerge on warm days even in mid-winter.