Quck answer
Hummingbird moths (also known as hawk moths or sphinx moths) are a type of moth that closely resembles hummingbirds in appearance and behavior. They are often mistaken for actual hummingbirds due to their ability to hover in mid-air while they feed on nectar from flowers. These moths have long proboscises that they use to suck nectar from flowers, just like hummingbirds. They also have wings that beat incredibly quickly, allowing them to hover in place and fly backwards. Despite their striking resemblance to hummingbirds, they are actually a type of moth and can be found in many parts of the world.
Wild Animals
A hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe) is pictured as it sips nectar. Wikimedia Commons (CC By SA 2.0)
Imagine seeing a tiny creature, only about 2 inches (5 centimeters) in size, darting from one flower to another so quickly that its wings are just a blur. You might think it’s a hummingbird, but upon closer inspection, you realize that it’s not. It has a tongue-like proboscis just like a hummingbird, but it’s much smaller and has antennae. Its tail looks like feathers but is actually fluff. What you’re looking at is a hummingbird moth, a bug that mimics the appearance and behavior of a bird.
There are 23 species of hummingbird moths, but only five of them can be found in North America: hummingbird clearwing (Hemaris thysbe), snowberry clearwing (Hemaris diffinis), slender clearwing (Hemaris gracilis), Rocky Mountain clearwing (Hemaris thetis), and white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata). Although these five species can be found across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, only two of them, the snowberry clearwing and the hummingbird clearwing, are commonly seen. Snowberry clearwings have yellow and black bodies with a black line running horizontally on each side of their bodies, while hummingbird clearwings have reddish-brown abdomens and olive green backs.
Hummingbird moths, like real hummingbirds, are experts at hovering and moving sideways or backward with amazing precision. However, they are smaller than hummingbirds, usually growing up to 2.5 inches (6 centimeters) in length, while hummingbirds are usually around 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) long. Another difference is that you can see a hummingbird moth’s six legs dangling as it hovers, while a hummingbird tucks its legs into its feathers while feeding.
If you want to see a hummingbird moth, you can increase your chances by planting a variety of long-necked flowers, such as trumpet creeper or cardinal flowers. Hummingbird moths love to feed on the nectar of these flowers, just like real hummingbirds. You might even spot both species sharing the same flowers! However, when it comes to laying their eggs, hummingbird moths have specific plants and trees that they prefer, such as honeysuckle, dogbane, hawthorn, cherry, and plum.
Now That’s Cool
The hummingbird moth family includes the death’s-head hawk moth, which played a prominent role in the movie “The Silence of the Lambs” in 1991. The death’s-head hawk moth has a skull-like mark on its thorax, making it a fascinating and eerie creature.
FAQ
1. What is a hummingbird moth?
A hummingbird moth is a type of moth that looks and acts like a hummingbird. They have a long proboscis, which they use to sip nectar from flowers. They also hover in the air like hummingbirds, and are often mistaken for them.
2. Where can you find hummingbird moths?
Hummingbird moths are found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are often found in gardens and meadows, where they feed on nectar from flowers.
3. What do hummingbird moths eat?
Hummingbird moths feed on nectar from flowers, just like hummingbirds. They are attracted to brightly colored flowers, and their long proboscis allows them to reach deep into the flower to sip the nectar.
4. How do hummingbird moths differ from hummingbirds?
Hummingbird moths have wings like a moth, while hummingbirds have feathers like a bird. Hummingbird moths also have a long proboscis, while hummingbirds have a short beak. However, they both feed on nectar from flowers and have a similar hovering flight pattern, which can make them difficult to tell apart.
5. Are hummingbird moths harmful?
No, hummingbird moths are not harmful to humans or plants. They do not bite or sting, and they are actually beneficial to gardens because they help to pollinate flowers.
6. How can you attract hummingbird moths to your garden?
You can attract hummingbird moths to your garden by planting brightly colored flowers that are rich in nectar, such as bee balm, butterfly bush, and phlox. You can also provide a shallow dish of water for them to drink from, and avoid using pesticides, which can harm them.
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