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Hummingbird... Moth?!?

8/17/2018

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Everyone loves hummingbirds but how many are familiar with the hummingbird moth? I never knew they existed until about 10 years ago. We were at a party and I was wandering around the yard admiring the flower gardens, ponds & statuary when I spotted a large flowering shrub buzzing with tiny hummingbirds. It was near dusk but I could see that something wasn't quite right with these little birds. They were smaller than usual & they looked a little...off. Maybe they were babies? I motioned for Jason excited to show him my unusual find. "They're not hummingbirds," he laughed. "They're hummingbird MOTHS. Bugs, not birds." Honestly, I thought he was pulling my leg. How had I not seen these magnificent creatures before?!?!
​I was thrilled when Jason came home from work this week with video of a hummingbird moth in action. I couldn't wait to share it with our readers!
The 2nd clip below was filmed in slow motion. And the moth is still a little too fast to catch a good look at him.
Hummingbird moths are widespread throughout North America. I look for them now but I don't see them often. Or maybe I do but I'm mistaking them for hummingbirds?
  • Hummingbird moths are about half the size of a ruby throated hummingbird.
  • Hummingbirds & hummingbird moths are both nectar feeders that are attracted to many of the same flowering plants.
  • Hummingbird moths have proboscis, not beaks. But, if you spot them while they're feeding their proboscis do resemble beaks when unfurled.
  • A hummingbird moth's wings buzz when they hover just like hummingbird wings. They can fly sideways & backwards too. Unlike hummingbirds, the moths have antenna and 4 wings that are almost transparent.
  • Hummingbird moths are members of the Sphinx moth family. There are 4 species of hummingbird moths in North America.
  • The Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris Thysbe) is the one most likely to be spotted in our area.
The Pillywiggin Opinion
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In most cases, especially in our area, the hummingbird moth's larvae does little damage to plants. Eggs are laid on the underside of leaves. A horned larvae will emerge to feed on the leaves but it's not much of a problem/nuisance for gardeners around here. Adult hummingbird moths assist in pollination and they are beautiful, interesting additions to the garden. 

​We say invite them in!
Feed & Attract Hummingbird Moths
  • Butterfly bush
  • Phlox
  • Dame's Rocket/Sweet Rocket
  • ​Verbena
Habitat for Hummingbird Moth Larvae
  • Honeysuckle
  • Vibernum
  • Cherry Trees
  • ​Plum Trees
Have you found something cool in your gardens lately? Share a photo with us on Facebook!

If you want something cool in your garden... Call Upon the Pillywiggins!
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Warm Glass ~ Cool Gourds ~ Enchanting Gardens
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  Pillywiggins Garden, LLC
  • Welcome
  • Garden
  • Artwork
    • Warm Glass
    • Cool Gourds
  • Events
  • Gourds
    • Gourd History
    • Crafting with Gourds
    • Drying Gourds
    • Cleaning Gourds
  • Pilly...what?!
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Welcome
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    • Warm Glass
    • Cool Gourds
  • Events
  • Gourds
    • Gourd History
    • Crafting with Gourds
    • Drying Gourds
    • Cleaning Gourds
  • Pilly...what?!
  • About
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  • Blog
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