Hummingbird moths, also known as clearwing moths, are day-flying insects that resemble hummingbirds. Their fast, hovering flight allows them to feed on flower nectar while beating their wings up to 70 times per second. But do these moths also come out and feed at night?
Quick answer
Most hummingbird moth species do not come out at night. These fast-flying nectar feeders are diurnal, meaning they are active during the daytime. However, there are a few exceptions. Some larger hummingbird moth species have been observed feeding at dusk and may continue visiting flowers after dark. Additionally, the moths may be attracted to bright lights at night.
Do hummingbird moths sleep at night?
Like hummingbirds, most hummingbird moth species enter a dormant state at night called torpor. During torpor, the moths lower their metabolic rate and body temperature, allowing them to conserve energy when they are not actively feeding. They may choose sheltered roosting spots like trees, shrubs, or even inside buildings. Their wings will be folded vertically above their backs.
Why don’t hummingbird moths fly at night?
There are a few key reasons why hummingbird moths tend to rest at night instead of flying:
- Lack of food sources – Most of the flowers that hummingbird moths feed on close up at night, so there is less nectar available.
- Avoid predators – Many predatory bats and insects are more active at night, so it is safer for the moths to be dormant.
- Conserve energy – Flying takes up a huge amount of energy for hummingbird moths. Resting at night allows them to conserve energy.
- Temperature regulation – These moths are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. It’s more difficult to do this at cooler nighttime temperatures.
Exceptions – when can hummingbird moths be active at night?
While most hummingbird moths strictly rest at night, there are some exceptions:
- Larger species – Some of the giant sphinx moths like the White-lined Sphinx Moth have been observed visiting flowers at dusk and even after dark.
- Bright lights – Hummingbird moths are sometimes attracted to bright lights at night, either natural or artificial. They may feed on any nectar source around these light sources.
- Warmer nights – On warmer evenings, some hummingbird moth species may prolong their activity after sunset.
- Overwintering – In warmer climates where they overwinter, hummingbird moths may be periodically active on warm winter nights.
Examples of night-active hummingbird moth species
While most hummingbird moths rest at night, these species sometimes exhibit nighttime activity or nocturnal behavior:
- White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata)
- Wild cherry sphinx moth (Sphinx drupiferarum)
- Five-spotted hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculata)
- Carolina sphinx moth (Manduca sexta)
- Giant sphinx moth (Cocytius antaeus)
- Oleander hawk moth (Daphnis nerii)
Behaviors of night-flying hummingbird moths
When hummingbird moths are active at night, they exhibit some unique behaviors:
- Feeding – Make visit flowers that remain open at night like jasmine, petunias, moonflowers, and night-blooming water lilies.
- Light-seeking – Are attracted to artificial lights as well as moonlight.
- Nectar robbing – May exhibit nectar robbing behaviors by piercing flowers with their long proboscis rather than entering properly.
- Hovering – Still capable of hovering in place, but may do so for longer periods before moving between flowers.
- Reduced activity – Generally fly slower and make fewer feeding visits than during the day.
How to spot hummingbird moths at night
Hummingbird moths can be tricky to spot at night, but here are a few tips:
- Plant night-blooming flowers – Moths will be attracted to the nectar.
- Setup a bright light – Use a porch light, spotlight, or UV light trap.
- Listen for wings – You may hear the buzzing of their rapid wings before you see them.
- Use a red light – Moths are less likely to perceive red light, so a red flashlight can help spot them.
- Patience – Scan flowers and light sources carefully, as the moths may only visit briefly.
Do hummingbird moths migrate at night?
Hummingbird moths that migrate long distances typically do not migrate at night. Like their daytime habits, they rest at night and conserve energy during migration. However, some recent research using radar technology has detected larger insects, potentially including sphinx moths, flying at high altitudes at night during migration. But most experts believe hummingbird moths do the vast majority of migrating during daytime hours.
Summary
While hummingbird moths are primarily active during the day, a small percentage of larger species have adapted the ability to feed at night as well. Their nocturnal behaviors allow them to take advantage of nectar sources that bloom only at night. But nighttime activity seems to be the exception rather than the rule for these buzzing pollinators. So while it is possible to see a hummingbird moth on a warm, moonlit night, your best chance of spotting them is still during daylight hours.