Hummingbird Hawk-Moth
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Hovering Master
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth can hover perfectly still while feeding because of its incredibly fast-beating wings that provide precise aerial control.
Ability
Nectar Noodle Tongue
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth has a super long proboscis that helps them reach deep inside flowers to sip nectar others can't.
Ability
Daylight Dashing
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Clearwing Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hummingbird Hawk-Moth's wingspan?
40-55 mm
How big is Hummingbird Hawk-Moth?
35-50 mm
How long does Hummingbird Hawk-Moth live?
20-40 days
How fast can Hummingbird Hawk-Moth fly?
25 km/h
What does Hummingbird Hawk-Moth eat?
These fuzzy moths drink sweet nectar from colorful flowers using their amazing, long straw-like tongues.
Where is Hummingbird Hawk-Moth usually found?
Gardens and fields
How does Hummingbird Hawk-Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Hummingbird Hawk-Moth have?
6
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