Hummingbird Hawk-Moth

Hemaris thysbe

The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth looks like a tiny hummingbird as it flits from flower to flower. It has a fuzzy body and beautiful wings!

Habitat: Gardens and fields

Appearance

The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth has a stout, furry, olive-brown body with a reddish-brown band near its tail. Its wings are mostly clear with dark edges, and the hindwings have a distinctive reddish tint. This moth looks strikingly similar to a hummingbird, but it's an insect!

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySphingidaeGenusHemaris

Hummingbird Hawk-Moth

Interesting facts

Hummingbird Hawk-Moths can fly backward while hovering, a tricky maneuver few insects can do.

Some Hummingbird Hawk-Moths can migrate thousands of kilometers to warmer climates for winter.

Their wings beat so fast, they make a humming sound just like a hummingbird!

They use their feet to 'taste' flowers before deciding to feed on their nectar.

Special abilities

Hummingbird Hawk-Moth can hover perfectly still while feeding because of its incredibly fast-beating wings that provide precise aerial control.

Hummingbird Hawk-Moth has a super long proboscis that helps them reach deep inside flowers to sip nectar others can't.

Hummingbird Hawk-Moth can fly and forage actively during the day, unlike most moths, because they navigate well in bright light.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 40-55 mm
Size: 35-50 mm
Lifespan: 20-40 days
Flight Speed: 25 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

These fuzzy moths drink sweet nectar from colorful flowers using their amazing, long straw-like tongues.

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) munch on leaves of host plants, while adult moths feed solely on nectar.

Primary Foods

Nectar (from Honeysuckle)
Nectar (from Phlox)
Nectar (from Verbena)
Nectar (from Bee Balm)
Nectar (from Lilies)

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Limber Honeysuckle

Lonicera dioica

Caterpillars feed on its leaves.

pollinates

Garden Phlox

Phlox paniculata

Adult moths drink its nectar.

eaten by

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Birds might prey on moths.

eaten by

Little Brown Bat

Myotis lucifugus

Bats hunt adult moths at dusk.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Miniature

Discover tiny wonders that are super small, perfect for a close-up look at nature's little details!

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.