Hummingbird... Moth?!?

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

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!

Warm Glass ~ Cool Gourds ~ Enchanting Gardens