Ever seen a tiny “hummingbird” darting around flowers, only to realize it’s way too small, the colors seem off, and there’s no signature hum?
Don’t worry, you’re not imagining things! What you spotted is likely one of nature’s coolest little wonders—a hummingbird moth, also known as the bumblebee moth or snowberry clearwing (scientific name: Hemaris diffinis).
These fascinating insects are the ultimate copycats. At first glance, they can easily be mistaken for a hummingbird or even a bee.
But don’t let their speedy, flower-hovering antics fool you—they’re actually diurnal moths (that’s a fancy way of saying they’re daytime fliers). Their fast movements and unique appearance can make them a bit of a mystery for anyone unfamiliar.
So, if you’ve ever thought a hummingbird and a bumblebee had some kind of hybrid baby, you’re not alone! Next time you spot one of these winged marvels buzzing through your garden, take a moment to appreciate their charm—you’ve just met a true wonder of nature.
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What’s a Hummingbird Moth?
Ever seen a small creature hovering around your garden and thought, Wait, is that a hummingbird? Or maybe a bumblebee? Chances are, you just met a hummingbird moth!
These fascinating insects, part of the sphinx moth family, are often mistaken for their feathered namesakes because they hover like hummingbirds while sipping nectar from flowers. Pretty cool, right?
There are actually four types of these moths found across North America: the hummingbird clearwing, snowberry clearwing, slender clearwing, and the white-lined sphinx moth.
Now, here’s the twist: some folks call them “bumblebee moths” because their yellow-and-black coloring makes them look more like bees than birds. It’s all a bit confusing, I know!
Personally, I used to call them hummingbird moths all the time—old habits die hard—but technically, the name fits better for the red-and-green species (Hemaris thysbe).
If you’re looking to impress your garden-loving friends, you can also use the name “snowberry clearwing,” which refers to their connection to snowberry plants and their distinctive clear patches on their wings.
Fun Facts About Hummingbird Moths
- Not Actually Hummingbirds
Although they can mimic the movements of hummingbirds almost perfectly, these little guys are 100% insects. One easy way to tell them apart is size—hummingbird moths are smaller, usually about 1 to 2 inches long, while hummingbirds measure closer to 3 to 4 inches.
- How Common Are They?
The snowberry clearwing and hummingbird clearwing are the most common types you’ll see flitting around your garden. If you’re lucky, you might also spot a white-lined sphinx moth, especially at dusk or even at night. Planting flowers that bloom after dark, like moonflowers, can attract these nocturnal visitors.
- Speed Demons of the Insect World
Did you know white-lined sphinx moths can fly up to 35 mph? That’s nearly as fast as a hummingbird! Combine that with their hovering skills and fan-like tails, and you’ve got yourself a pollinator worth watching.
Get to Know the Life of Bumblebee Moths
Depending on where you live, these fascinating creatures might show up one, two, or even three times a year. They make their debut in mid to late spring, hit their peak in summer, and stick around through early fall.
What makes bumblebee moths stand out is their love for flowers—not just for decoration, but for dinner! Unlike many moth species, they feed as adults. You’ll often see them hovering near blooms, sipping nectar with their long, straw-like proboscis. Thanks to this handy tool, they can enjoy nectar from both deep tubular flowers and more open blooms.
When it’s time for the next generation, the female moth uses a special pheromone to attract a mate. Once the deed is done, she lays her eggs on the underside of specific “host plants”—the ones her caterpillars will munch on. These plants include coralberry, dogbane, hawthorn, cherry, teasel, plum, snowberry, viburnum, and various types of honeysuckle.
The caterpillars hatch and feast on the host plant leaves until they’re ready for their big transformation. When the time comes, they crawl into leaf litter, spin cozy cocoons, and begin the pupation process. Unlike their parents, these caterpillars are a tasty snack for birds, so only the lucky ones make it to adulthood.
As winter rolls in, the last generation of the year hunkers down as pupae inside their cocoons, hiding in the leaf litter. Come spring, they emerge as adults, ready to repeat the cycle.
Belonging to the hawk moth family (Sphingidae), these moths share ties with the tobacco and tomato hornworms. But don’t worry—bumblebee moth caterpillars won’t bother your garden veggies. They’re all about their favorite wild plants, making them delightful visitors rather than pests.
What Does a Hummingbird Moth Look Like?
These unique insects are often mistaken for bumblebees or even hummingbirds, and it’s no wonder why! Here’s how to spot one.
- Adults: The Flying Look-Alikes
Picture this: a creature with a fuzzy, yellowish body wrapped in a black band, wings with clear patches, and a knack for hovering like a pro. That’s your hummingbird moth, or as some call it, the bumblebee moth.
At about 1.5 to 2 inches long—roughly the size of your thumb—they’re small but mighty. Their wings, which clear up shortly after they emerge from cocoons, give them that signature “clearwing moth” look, while their plump, furry bodies resemble a bumblebee’s.
What really sets them apart is their flying skills. They zip around with agility, hovering in front of flowers just like a hummingbird. Need a quick way to tell them apart? Check for antennae—moths have them, but hummingbirds don’t.
Plus, hummingbird moths use a long, straw-like proboscis to sip nectar, while hummingbirds rely on their tongues and beaks.
- The Many Nicknames
These moths go by several names: sphinx moths, hawk moths, bee moths—you name it. The name “sphinx moth” comes from their caterpillar stage. When threatened, they lift their heads and flatten their bodies in a way that looks like the mythical Sphinx of Egypt.
- Caterpillars: Green and Spiky
Before they take flight, hummingbird moths start life as striking caterpillars. They’re usually pale green, sometimes with a bluish stripe running down their backs, and sport black spots outlined in white along their sides.
At the back end, there’s a pointy black spike on a yellow hump—pretty distinctive, right? Fully grown, these smooth caterpillars are about the size of your little finger.
Where to Spot Bumblebee Moths
Looking for bumblebee moths? These fascinating little creatures can be found in a surprising range of places across the globe. Think Europe, northern Africa, India, Central Asia, and even the Caucasus. Sometimes, they’ll venture into cooler areas just outside their usual warm-weather zones—bold travelers, aren’t they?
Speaking of travel, these moths are basically the jetsetters of the insect world. They can zip along at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour! And when conditions change, like when whiteflies start moving into their turf, they take off for warmer climates, much like migratory birds. India, for instance, might be their winter getaway. Not bad for a moth, right?
- Where Adults Hang Out
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of an adult bumblebee moth, head to spots with plenty of flowers. They love open fields, prairies, forest edges, and brushy woodlands. In more urban areas, you’ll often find them flitting around flower gardens and parks. They’re all about the nectar!
- What Caterpillars Eat
The caterpillars of these moths aren’t picky, but they have their favorites. They tend to munch on plants in the honeysuckle family, like native honeysuckles (Diervilla species) and coralberries. Sometimes, they’ll snack on dogbanes and even some members of the rose family.
- Where Pupae Hide
When it’s time to pupate, these moths go low-key. Their cocoons are tucked away in the leaf litter on the ground. It’s nature’s version of a hide-and-seek game.
- Capturing Them on Camera (Good Luck!)
Photographing bumblebee moths is no small feat. I’ve tried many times, and let me tell you—it’s like chasing a blur. These moths dart from flower to flower so quickly and unpredictably, they’re tough to pin down.
Their wings beat an astonishing 70 times per second, making it tricky to get a clear shot unless your camera settings are just right. For comparison, even a ruby-throated hummingbird’s wings “only” beat 53 times per second.
- Mistaken Identity
It’s easy to see why people mix these moths up with bumblebees or hummingbirds. Their furry bodies and yellow-black patterns scream “bee,” while their hovering and nectar-sipping habits mimic hummingbirds. But once you know what to look for—fuzzy antennae, clear wings, and that unmistakable hovering style—you’ll start spotting them with ease.
The first time someone showed me a hummingbird moth, they confidently told me it was a baby hummingbird. Honestly, I get it—the resemblance is uncanny. These moths hover in midair and sip nectar just like hummingbirds.
The catch? Baby hummingbirds don’t fly! When young hummingbirds leave the nest, they’re almost as big as their parents. So, if you see a tiny “hummingbird” flitting about, you’re probably looking at one of these incredible moths.
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How to Attract Bumblebee Moths to Your Garden
Want to welcome bumblebee moths (sometimes called hummingbird moths) to your garden? It’s easier than you think! These fascinating little pollinators are drawn to nectar-rich plants, especially ones with tubular blooms.
Flowers like phlox, bee balm, columbines, nasturtiums, and four-o’clocks are among their favorites, thanks to their deep nectar reservoirs that cater to the moth’s long proboscis (which can be twice as long as their body!).
To keep your garden buzzing with these beauties from spring through fall, plant a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the seasons.
Bumblebee moths aren’t picky—they’ll happily sip from native wildflowers like milkweed, blazing stars, coral honeysuckle, mountain mint, and salvias, as well as classic ornamental favorites like lilac, petunias, zinnias, and morning glories. If bees and butterflies love a flower, chances are these moths will too.
For the best results, don’t stop at just nectar plants. Include host plants where their caterpillars can feed and grow, and create overwintering spots by leaving leaves and garden debris in place during the fall. These simple steps make your yard a welcoming home for every stage of their life cycle.
One thing to note—unlike actual hummingbirds, these moths aren’t big fans of red flowers. Instead, they’re drawn to tubular blooms of any color during the day and sweetly scented, light-colored flowers in the evening.
By planting a mix of pollinator-friendly flowers and providing habitat for their young, you’ll soon have these charming moths flitting through your garden, adding both beauty and biodiversity to your space.
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- How to Build a Bee Watering Station: Tips and Ideas for a Bee-Friendly Yard
source https://harvestsavvy.com/hummingbird-moth/
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