Is it a bird? Is it a bug? Whatever it is, this wing-beating creature is sure to cause you to do a double take! Meet the hummingbird moth. It’s one of the most fascinating insects (yes, it’s an insect!) to roam the garden. Here are 10 facts that will amaze you:
Hummingbirds are one of the most beloved birds, captivating us with their diminutive size, iridescent colors, and ability to hover and fly backwards. However, some insects bear an uncanny resemblance to hummingbirds and are frequently mistaken for them. Here are 8 bugs that can fool even keen observers into thinking they’ve spotted a hummingbird.
1. Clearwing Moths
Clearwing moths belong to the Hemaris genus. With their slender bodies, long proboscises for drinking nectar, and partially transparent wings, they look remarkably similar to hummingbirds. There are four common species in North America:
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Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) – Widespread from coast to coast, they have olive-green and black bodies with clear wings
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Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe) – Common in eastern states, they have reddish-brown and olive bodies with transparent wings.
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Rocky Mountain Clearwing (Hemaris thetis) – Found in western mountain states, they are brown with partially clear wings.
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White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata) – Also called the Hummingbird moth, it has brown and white stripes and rapid wing beats.
These day-flying moths behave like hummingbirds too, adeptly hovering at flowers and sipping nectar with their long tongues. So don’t be surprised if that “hummingbird” you spot at your bee balm is actually a clearwing moth.
2. Hawk Moths
Several species of hawk moths, including the aptly named hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) resemble hummingbirds in size appearance, and behavior. Found in many parts of the world, these moths have stout, fuzzy bodies striped in browns, oranges, grays, and blacks. Their wings beat up to 70 times per second, allowing them to hover beside blossoms. And their long proboscises allow them to drink nectar while airborne.
Other hawk moth species such as the white-lined sphinx moth have hummingbird-like flight patterns. They also have long tongues to probe flowers while hovering. So don’t let these clever copycats fool you!
3. Flower Flies
Over 500 species of hoverflies or flower flies in the Syrphidae family live in North America. Many of them have evolved to mimic the appearance of stinging bees and wasps as a form of self-defense. But several species took a different approach – evolving to look like hummingbirds instead!
For example, the Greater Bee Fly (Bombylius major) is a furry black and gray insect with a long proboscis that uncoils to sip nectar. Its wings beat up to 140 times per second, enabling it to hover beside flowers just like a hummingbird.
Other flower flies like the White-headed Bee Fly (Bombylius albicapillus) also mimic hummingbirds in size, color, flight patterns, and feeding behaviors. Don’t let these little tricksters deceive you!
4. Sphinx Moths
The sphinx moth family (Sphingidae) includes some of the best hummingbird impersonators. Over 1,400 species exist worldwide, with many native to the Americas. For instance, the White-lined Sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) has wings trimmed in white and an orange-and-black striped abdomen. Its wings beat up to 70 times per second, producing a humming sound.
Other sphinx moths like the Pandorus Sphinx (Eumorpha pandorus) have long tongues for drinking nectar from tubular flowers. And they can hover in midair while feeding. Relative to their size, sphinx moths have some of the fastest wing beats of any insect, perfectly mimicking hummingbird flight.
5. Hummingbird Moths
Species in the Hemaris genus are commonly called hummingbird moths or hawk moths. They perfectly mimic hummingbirds in size, appearance, flight patterns, feeding behaviors, and more. These include the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) and the Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe).
Hummingbird moths beat their wings up to 70 times per second, enabling aerobatic flight. And their long tongues can unroll to reach nectar deep inside blossoms. Native to North America, these tricky little insects continue to fool birders into thinking they’ve spotted a new hummingbird!
6. Bee Flies
Over 1,000 species of bee flies exist worldwide, with many native to North America. They get their name from their resemblance to bees, having furry bodies and buzzing wings. But several species took their mimicry a step further, evolving to look like hummingbirds too.
For example, the dark-colored Nemestrinus rufipes uses its short proboscis to feed on nectar. And it can hover beside flowers while lapping up nectar, just like hummingbirds. Other bee flies like Megapalpus capensis beat their wings up to 80 times per second, enabling acrobatic, hummingbird-like flight.
7. Giant Leafhoppers
While most leafhoppers are tiny, some tropical species like Lanternaria phosphorea grow to the size of hummingbirds. They have rounded, ornate bodies in metallic greens, yellows, oranges, and blues. Their wings are mostly transparent. And they can hover beside foliage using rapid wing beats.
Next time you’re in the jungle gazing at a shimmering “hummingbird,” take a closer look – it may actually be a giant leafhopper! These amazing insects have evolved near-perfect camouflage to resemble hummingbirds.
8. Flying Beetles
Certain beetle species like the spotted adelaida (Adelaida punctata) have evolved to resemble hummingbirds. These tiny beetles have metallic green, blue, and purple bodies. Their wing cases are transparent and wings translucent. In flight, they look uncannily like hummingbirds, deceiving predators and competitors.
Other beetles like the Brazilian jewel scarab (Chrysina aurigans) have glossy bodies in hummingbird-like colors. When alarmed, they can take flight quickly just like hummingbirds escaping a threat. So next time you see a tiny, iridescent “hummingbird,” it may actually be one of these clever beetles.
10 Fascinating Facts About The Hummingbird Moth
1) Hummingbird moth is the common name used for the genus Hemaris, which include: Hummingbird Hawk-Moth, Sphinx moth, Common Clearwing Hummingbird moth, Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird moth, Five-Spotted Hawkmoth, and White-Lined Sphinx.
2) Loathed by gardeners, the tomato or tobacco hornworm caterpillar that you see munching on your tomato plants will eventually morph into a Hawk moth, or Sphinx moth, each a type of hummingbird moth.
3) The moths featured in the 1991 film, The Silence of the Lambs were death’s head hawk moths, a type of hummingbird moth (of the Sphingidae family of moths, in the genus Hemaris). According to IMDb, the moths were treated like celebrities. “They were flown first class… and had special living quarters.”
4) The fast-moving hummingbird moth has a rapid wingbeat up to 70 beats per second (depending on the species), enabling it to fly up to 12 mph.
5) Instead of a beak like a hummingbird, it has a long tongue-like proboscis that rolls out of its coiled tube to reach the nectar deep inside flowers. Its tongue is about double the length of the moth’s body.
6) It has large, menacing eyes that appear to warn predators to keep their distance. Also protecting it from potential predators is its close resemblance to a bird, instead of a bug.
7) They range in length from 2—2.5 inches long and are covered in gray hair that resembles feathers, with white, rust or brown markings or variations. Their wingspan ranges from 2 to 6 inches depending on the species. The Snowberry Clearwing moth has clear wings.
8) The hummingbird moth can be found not only in North America, but in Europe, Africa, and Asia. They have a wide range in the US from Texas and Florida to Maine and Alaska.
9) After mating, the female moth lays eggs on plant leaves such as honeysuckle, cherries, hawthorns, and viburnums. The hatched caterpillar feeds on its host bush or vine.
10) These moths actively feed on flower nectar in the daytime, but you may also get a glimpse of one feeding at dusk on night-blooming flowers such as the evening primrose or night blooming jasmine.
Have you seen one of these fascinating creatures?
Where are you based? Please share your photos with us here.
Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
Deborah Tukua is a natural living, healthy lifestyle writer and author of 7 non-fiction books, including Pearls of Garden Wisdom: Time-Saving Tips and Techniques from a Country Home, Pearls of Country Wisdom: Hints from a Small Town on Keeping Garden and Home, and Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. Tukua has been a writer for the Farmers Almanac since 2004.
Sweeter Sweet Potatoes For sweeter sweet potatoes, choose ones with darker skins.
Bug Looks Like Hummingbird
FAQ
Is it rare to see a hummingbird moth?
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Not Rare in Suitable Habitats:Hummingbird moths, also known as sphinx moths or hawk moths, are relatively common in areas with abundant nectar sources like gardens and areas with tubular flowers.
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Hemaris thysbe (Hummingbird Clearwing):This particular species is one of the most common hummingbird moths, especially in the eastern United States.
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Active Season:They are most active during the warmer summer months, making them easier to spot during that time.
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Mimicking Hummingbirds:Their ability to hover and feed on nectar like hummingbirds, along with their appearance, often leads to them being mistaken for tiny hummingbirds.
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Other Species:While the hummingbird clearwing is common, some other species of hawk moths and sphinx moths might be less frequently observed due to their specific habitat requirements.
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Beneficial Pollinators:Like hummingbirds, they are important pollinators, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
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The caterpillar stage of hummingbird moths is known as a hornworm, and they feed on various plants like honeysuckle, viburnum, blueberry, and hawthorn.
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Found in North America:The hummingbird moth can be found in North America, according to the US Forest Service.
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Found in other places:The hummingbird moth can be found in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
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Not a rare treat to see:According to YouTube, seeing a hummingbird moth in your garden is a rare treat to see.
Is a hummingbird moth harmful?
But, please, before you go swatting at these harmless moths, understand that in their moth form, they are harmless and beneficial as pollinators. It is only in their short-lived caterpillar stage that they do any damage.
Can a hummingbird moth sting you?
Hummingbird moths have no known bite, sting or other undesirable effects to humans.
What does a hummingbird moth turn into?
Pupae are typically brown, two inches or more in length, and many have a pronounced “snout” off the head end. Adult stages of hornworms are heavy-bodied, strong flying insects known as sphinx or hawk moths.
What bugs look like hummingbirds?
These are small colorful birds measuring between 3 and 5 inches in general. Some bugs that look like hummingbirds resemble these characteristics of size and color. Many of them can even be confused with hummingbirds. Here are the most common species of bugs that look like hummingbirds. 1. Rocky Mountain Clearwing
What are some species of hummingbird moths?
Hummingbird moth is the common name used for the genus Hemaris, which include: Hummingbird Hawk-Moth, Sphinx moth, Common Clearwing Hummingbird moth, Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird moth, Five-Spotted Hawkmoth, and White-Lined Sphinx.
Does a bug-like moth look like a hummingbird?
Backyard gardeners are puzzled when they spot a moth that looks like a hummingbird. Experts reveal the identity of this mystery pollinator. “We have hummingbirds around and we feed them. But we spotted a strange bug-like moth that acts and looks like a hummingbird but he is not. And was eating from our petunias exactly the way a hummingbird does.
What bird resembles a hummingbird?
Apart from the physical traits that make it similar to the small colorful birds, its flight characteristics further make it resemble hummingbirds. Rocky Mountain Clearwing moths are known for being able to quickly change in-flight direction, which makes them as agile as hummingbirds. 2. White-headed Bee Fly White-headed Bee Fly.
Is This hummingbird clearwing a moth?
It moves as though it’s a hummingbird but it looks like a moth. Several of them visit my butterfly bushes,” asks Peggy Schafer of Ionia, Michigan. Kenn and Kimberly: Yes, this is a type of moth called a hummingbird clearwing. They are in the sphinx moth or hawk moth family, and many of them hover at flowers just like hummingbirds.
How big do hummingbird moths get?
Their wingspan ranges from 1.6 to 2.15 inches, depending on the kind. Like regular moths, their wings are covered in scales, but most of them fall off due to the motion, so the moths got the ‘clearwing’ title. Hummingbird moths have antennae and 4 legs.