Hummingbird hawk moths are fascinating creatures that bear an uncanny resemblance to hummingbirds. With their long proboscis for sipping nectar and ability to hover while feeding, it’s no wonder they are called hummingbird hawk moths! But are these moths helpful guests to have in your garden, or are they pests? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of these interesting insects.
What are hummingbird hawk moths?
Hummingbird hawk moths are insects in the Sphingidae family of moths. There are several different species, but some of the most common include the white-lined sphinx, the pink-spotted hawk moth, and the hummingbird clearwing moth. They are medium to large-sized moths with wingspans ranging from 1.5 to 5 inches. As their name suggests, they mimic the look and feeding behaviors of hummingbirds.
The moths have stout, furry bodies that allow them to hover while feeding. Their long proboscis can unroll to reach nectar at the base of tubular flowers. The moths are powerful fliers and some species even migrate long distances similar to hummingbirds. When not feeding, the moths tend to be crepuscular or nocturnal.
What do they eat?
Hummingbird hawk moth larvae primarily feed on plants in the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, tobacco, and ornamental plants like petunias. The adult moths live on nectar from flowers. They prefer tubular shaped flowers with lots of nectar, including:
- Honeysuckles
- Trumpet vines
- Petunias
- Rhododendrons
- Lilacs
- Phlox
- Red valerian
- Verbena
- Bee balm
The moths are important pollinators for many of these plants when they fly from flower to flower feeding on nectar.
Are the moths beneficial?
Hummingbird hawk moths can be considered beneficial in gardens for several reasons:
- They are pollinators – The moths transfer pollen between flowers as they feed, aiding in pollination.
- Pest control – The larvae feed on plants like tomatoes and may help control potential pest species.
- Beauty and interest – The moths add visual interest and beauty to gardens with their hummingbird-like feeding behaviors.
Having hummingbird hawk moths visit your flowering plants contributes to the biodiversity and health of your garden ecosystem. Their roles as pollinators and consumers of pest species can be advantageous.
Pollination
Hummingbird hawk moths are effective pollinators for many tubular flowers. As they unfurl their long tongues to sip nectar, pollen grains stick to their furry bodies and are transferred flower to flower. Some studies have found the moths may be just as effective, if not more effective, at pollinating certain flowers compared to bees. Their larger size and longer proboscis allows them to come into contact with more reproductive parts.
Plants that rely on hummingbird hawk moths for pollination include honeysuckles, petunias, verbena, and others. Having the moths visit your garden ensures these plants get adequately pollinated and can set seed and fruit.
Pest control
The larvae of hummingbird hawk moths feed on plants in the nightshade family like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant. They may help control potential pests like tobacco hornworms, tomato hornworms, and Colorado potato beetles. However, it’s a fine line between the larvae being helpful or becoming pests themselves if they’re present in high numbers.
Are they harmful in any ways?
While hummingbird hawk moths play beneficial roles as pollinators and natural pest control, there are some potential downsides to their presence as well:
- Larvae could become plant pests – If hawk moth caterpillars are abundant, their feeding damage could harm crop plants.
- Adults damage ripe fruit – The moths may poke holes in ripe tomatoes, peppers, or other fruits while feeding on juices.
- Spread of diseases – There is a small chance they spread plant diseases as they move from plant to plant.
However, most gardeners find the benefits of hummingbird hawk moths outweigh any potential negatives. Steps can be taken to prevent excessive damage from larvae or adults.
Larvae plant pests
While the larvae play a role in natural pest control, they could become problematic themselves if populations explode. Hawk moth caterpillars are voracious eaters and, in large numbers, could defoliate crop plants. Pay attention to larval populations on prized vegetable plants and consider manual removal of eggs or caterpillars if they seem excessive.
Damaging ripe fruits
The adult moths may poke holes in ripe tomato fruits, peppers, or other produce as they pierce the skin to drink the juice inside. While annoying, the damage is usually minor. Just pick produce once it ripens to prevent the moths from reaching it.
Disease spread
There is a small chance hummingbird hawk moths could spread certain plant diseases as they move from flower to flower. Diseases like tobacco mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic virus, and pepper mild mottle virus have been detected on hawk moths. However, the moths are not the main disease vectors. The risk is low and should not deter you from attracting these beneficial pollinators.
How to attract hummingbird hawk moths
Hummingbird moths are migratory, traveling north in spring from southern wintering grounds. Here are some tips to attract them to your garden:
- Plant nectar-rich flowers they prefer like petunias, bee balm, honeysuckle, and red valerian
- Have a continuous bloom to provide nectar through the season
- Avoid pesticides which could kill the moths and larvae
- Keep some areas slightly unkempt for larvae to pupate in
- Install a hummingbird or moth feeder
- Use outdoor lighting selectively to avoid disrupting their nocturnal behaviors
With the right plants and habitat, you can create an inviting space for these magical moths.
Key facts about hummingbird hawk moths
Here are some key facts to remember about these fascinating pollinators:
- They are medium to large moths that mimic hummingbirds
- Long proboscis allows them to drink nectar from tubular flowers
- Important pollinators of flowers like petunias, honeysuckle, and bee balm
- Larvae feed on plants in tomato/potato family
- Adults migrate long distances in some cases
- Nocturnal but active at dawn and dusk too
- Can help with pest control but larvae may occasionally damage plants
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pros of hummingbird hawk moths typically outweigh any potential cons in gardens. Their roles as pollinators and natural pest controllers provide ecosystem services that support a healthy garden habitat. While larvae or adults may cause minor damage in some cases, the risks are low. Attracting these fascinating moths can add beauty and biodiversity to your outside space.