The Hummingbird Moth

During the last week or two acquaintances and friends have been exclaiming over the tiny hummingbird-like creatures they were seeing. When you first notice hummingbird moths, you really aren’t sure if they are hummingbirds or not. Their behavior and size can cause momentary confusion. They feed off of deep-lobed flowers, have a strong wing beat, and hover while feeding. A Calliope hummingbird measures 3.5 inches in length, whereas hummingbird moths can measure three inches or more in length. They are also called sphinx or hawk moths. We’re probably seeing what are named whitelined sphinx (Hyles lineata), with clear white lines marking their wings. Unlike other hornworms, which as moths fly at night, these are most active in late afternoon and dusk. Although the pupae are grossly impressive in size, shape, color, and texture, they are only pests and do not significantly damage plants. I don’t have a photo, but please look up a picture of a moth in flight and feeding on a flower—I think you’ll be impressed at how strongly they resemble hummingbirds.