The insect that zips past your flowers with the speed and sound of a tiny bird is likely the Hummingbird Moth. This intriguing pollinator is frequently mistaken for a small hummingbird because it hovers while feeding on nectar. This confusion stems from the moth’s extremely rapid wingbeats, which create an audible humming sound and allow it to remain stationary in the air.
Identification and Appearance
The Hummingbird Moth belongs to a group known as clearwing moths and possesses several distinct physical traits. The wings are largely transparent with dark borders. These clear portions result from the scales, which coat the wings of most moths, being shed shortly after the insect emerges from its cocoon. The body is plump and spindle-shaped, covered in thick, fuzzy hairs that can range in color from olive green and burgundy to yellow and black, often leading to misidentification as a large bumblebee.
Its wingspan typically measures between 1.5 to 2.25 inches, making it smaller than an actual hummingbird. It feeds using a long, straw-like proboscis, a coiled mouthpart that extends deep into flower tubes to reach the nectar. This proboscis can be nearly double the length of the moth’s body, enabling it to access resources unavailable to many other insects.
Are Hummingbird Moths Rare
Hummingbird Moths are not rare, despite the common perception that they are an unusual find. The most frequently observed species in North America, such as the Hummingbird Clearwing and the Snowberry Clearwing, are widespread and common across broad geographic ranges. Their distribution extends from the eastern seaboard of the United States to the western regions, and from southern Canada down to the Gulf Coast. The perception of scarcity often arises because these moths are extremely fast, making them difficult to track and observe.
An individual moth’s adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting anywhere from a few weeks up to seven months, which limits the window for observation. Their resemblance to hummingbirds or large bees means they are frequently misidentified rather than correctly noted as a moth. They are also active during the day, a trait shared with only a few other moth species, meaning they are seen when most people do not expect to encounter a moth. This combination of speed, short lifespan, and mistaken identity contributes to the false impression of rarity.
Where and When to Spot Them
The best places to spot a Hummingbird Moth are open, sunny habitats such as gardens, meadows, and the edges of woodlands. They are strongly attracted to flowers with deep throats and abundant nectar, as their long proboscis is perfectly suited for these blooms. Specific nectar sources that draw them include:
- Bee balm
- Honeysuckle
- Lilac
- Phlox
- Petunia
- Purple coneflower
These moths are diurnal, meaning they are active flyers during the day, particularly during the hottest hours. They can be seen actively visiting flowers from late spring through early fall, with peak activity occurring during the mid-summer months. Depending on the climate, there may be one or two generations of adults flying each year. Seeking out nectar-rich flowering plants in a sunny garden spot during the afternoon provides the best chance for an encounter.