Hummingbird moths, also known as hawk moths, are a group of insects that closely resemble hummingbirds. They have long proboscises (tubular mouths) that allow them to feed on nectar from flowers, much like hummingbirds do. While they prefer to eat nectar, some species of hummingbird moths do occasionally eat other foods, including fruit like tomatoes.
Do hummingbird moths eat tomatoes?
The short answer is yes, some species of hummingbird moths will eat tomatoes. However, it is not a primary food source for them and they do not cause major damage to tomato plants overall. The moths likely feed on overripe or damaged tomatoes that have a strong scent that attracts them. Here are some more details:
– The tomato hornworm, which is the caterpillar of the five-spotted hawk moth, is known to feed voraciously on tomato plants. However, the adult moths do not eat tomatoes.
– Sphinx moths such as the white-lined sphinx, wild cherry sphinx, bumblebee moth, and other species sometimes include ripe tomatoes as part of their diet. They appear to be particularly attracted to tomatoes that are overripe or damaged.
– The moths pierce the tomato skin with their long proboscis and suck out the juice and pulp. Their feeding does not tend to cause major damage to tomato plants overall.
– The tomato fruitworm moth also occasionally feeds on tomatoes in a similar manner.
– Hummingbird moths detect ripe tomatoes from far away by sensing the ethylene gas the fruit gives off. This gas has a sweet, fruity odor that the moths are attracted to.
So in summary, while hummingbird moths are primarily nectar feeders, some species will supplement their diet with fruit like tomatoes from time to time. But their tomato feeding habits are not usually problematic for gardeners or tomato farmers overall.
Anatomy and characteristics of hummingbird moths
Hummingbird moths share some key anatomical and behavioral features with hummingbirds that allow them to feed on flower nectar:
– Long proboscis – This long, straw-like tubular mouthpart allows the moth to access nectar at the base of long tubular flowers. When not in use, it coils up under the head.
– Rapid wing beats – Hummingbird moths can beat their wings up to 70 times per second, allowing them to hover in place like hummingbirds while feeding. This adaption is one reason for their name.
– Daytime activity – Unlike most moths that are active at night, hummingbird moths feed during the day when flowers are open and producing nectar.
– Migration – Some species migrate long distances between breeding and overwintering habitats, much like hummingbirds do.
– Bright colors – Many species have colorful patterns of greens, pinks, browns, and whites that help camouflage them among flowers.
Despite these similarities, hummingbird moths and hummingbirds are not closely related. Moths belong to the insect order Lepidoptera while hummingbirds are birds. Their wing structures are quite different. But both have evolved to fill a similar niche as daytime pollinators of flowers.
Common species of hummingbird moths
There are over 1,000 species of hummingbird moths worldwide, with around 140 species in the United States alone. Here are some of the most common:
White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata)
– Range: Throughout North America except the northwest
– Key features: Olive green with distinct white bands along sides and pink hindwings
– Wingspan: 3-4 inches
– Caterpillar: Large green hornworm that feeds voraciously on plants like tomatoes and grapes
Five-spotted hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculata)
– Range: Throughout North America
– Key features: Gray with five yellow spots along each side of abdomen
– Wingspan: 3-4 inches
– Caterpillar: The tomato hornworm, a major tomato pest
Hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe)
– Range: Eastern North America
– Key features: Hovering bee mimic with mostly transparent wings
– Wingspan: 1.5-2.5 inches
Snowberry clearwing moth (Hemaris diffinis)
– Range: Western North America
– Key features: Black and yellow bumblebee mimic
– Wingspan: 1.5-2.5 inches
Nessus sphinx moth (Amphion floridensis)
– Range: Southeastern United States
– Key features: Day-flying sphinx moth with brown wings, pink body
– Wingspan: 2-3 inches
There are many more wonderful species, but these examples give a taste of their diversity and wide distribution in North America.
Hummingbird moth feeding behaviors
The feeding behaviors of hummingbird moths are well adapted to accessing liquid nectar from flowers:
Hover feeding
– Since many flowers have nectaries deep inside, hummingbird moths are able to precisely hover in front of flowers while uncoiling their proboscis and inserting it into the flower to drink nectar.
Seeking nectar flowers
– Species frequent a variety of nectar-producing flowers including columbine, honeysuckle, petunias, lantana, verbena, and more. They use excellent sight and smell to locate these flowers.
Searching for food sources
– The moths cover a lot of territory seeking new food sources, much like hummingbirds do. Some species migrate long distances to follow blooming patterns.
Occasional fruit and sap feeding
– As mentioned earlier, some moths supplement their diet with fruit juices and tree sap when available. This provides amino acids and minerals not present in nectar.
Proboscis sucking
– Their long proboscis allows them to pierce fruit skin and suck up the juices inside without having to ingest the fibers.
Regurgitating nectar
– While feeding, excess fluid is occasionally regurgitated and released as droplets. This is similar to how hummingbirds sometimes dribble nectar.
So in summary, hummingbird moths are very nimble fliers adapted to seeking and lapping up small amounts of liquid food on the wing throughout the day.
Attracting hummingbird moths to gardens
Here are some tips for attracting these fascinating moths to gardens:
– Plant a variety of brightly colored, tubular flowers like verbena, bee balm, mint, trumpet vine, and columbine.
– Choose flowers with different bloom times to provide nectar through the seasons.
– Avoid using pesticides which can poison the moths.
– Supplement with other food sources like ripe fruit or sugar water feeders.
– Provide shrubs and trees for the moths to rest on between feedings.
– Position feeders and flowers where they can be viewed up close.
– Provide damp sand or mud for the moths to get needed minerals.
– Make note of when you see the moths active so you learn their patterns.
With a diversity of flowering plants and some patience, you are likely to be rewarded by visits from these amazing moths. Their graceful hovering flight and bright colors make them a joy to observe in any garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while primarily nectar feeders, some species of hummingbird moths do occasionally supplement their diet by piercing ripe, soft fruits like tomatoes to suck up the juices inside. This light feeding does not seriously damage tomato plants overall. By understanding the anatomy, behaviors, and diversity of hummingbird moths, we can better appreciate their role as pollinators and occasional fruit snackers in the garden. Attracting these moths to gardens with suitable flowers and feeders allows us to get a closer look at their unique adaptations and charming flight.