Utah is home to a few species of moths that bear a striking resemblance to hummingbirds. These incredible insects have evolved over time to mimic the appearance and behavior of hummingbirds, likely as a defensive strategy to avoid predation. When spotted feeding at flowers, they are often mistaken for tiny hummingbirds at first glance.
White-lined Sphinx Moth
One of the most common hummingbird-like moths found in Utah is the white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata). These moths have long tails on their hindwings that make them look remarkably similar to hummingbirds in flight. They have tan, grey, or black wings with distinct white bands running horizontally across them. Their bodies are quite robust like a hummingbird’s, with a wingspan reaching 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
During the day, white-lined sphinx moths can be observed visiting flowers and feeding on nectar while hovering in place, just as hummingbirds do. Their wings beat incredibly fast, allowing them to instantly change direction while feeding. This hovering behavior led to them being called the “hummingbird moth.”
White-lined sphinx moths are widespread across North America and can be found in many habitat types in Utah, including deserts, forests, and residential gardens. Adults emerge in mid to late summer and live for a few weeks to reproduce. Their caterpillars are known as hornworms and feed on plants in the nightshade family before pupating in soil.
Identification Tips
- Tan, grey, or black wings with distinct white bands
- Long tails on hindwings
- Robust, fat bodies
- Wingspan around 1.5 to 2.5 inches
- Hovers in place while feeding on flowers
Virginia Ctenucha Moth
Another hummingbird mimic found in Utah is the Virginia ctenucha moth (Ctenucha virginica). This medium-sized moth has a wingspan of 1.5 to 2.5 inches and a predominantly black body. Its wings are boldly patterned with metallic blue, orange, and purple iridescence.
When feeding on nectar while hovering, the Virginia ctenucha strongly resembles a blue or purple hummingbird darting between flowers. The blue sheen on its wings flashes in the sunlight, adding to the illusion. Despite their bright coloring, these moths are most active at dusk and are primarily nocturnal.
This species has a distribution across the eastern half of the United States and reaches its westernmost range in Utah and surrounding states. The moths can be spotted in Utah from mid to late summer when the adults emerge. Caterpillars feed on a variety of plants including honeysuckle, willow, and grass species.
Identification Tips
- Wingspan around 1.5 to 2.5 inches
- Black body with metallic blue, orange, purple on wings
- Flashes bright blue while hovering and feeding
- Most active at dusk
Nessus Sphinx Moth
The Nessus sphinx moth (Amphion floridensis) is another species found in Utah that mimics the look of a hummingbird. It has a wingspan ranging from 1.75 to 2.75 inches. Its body and wings are primarily tan or greyish-brown in color with some darker brown banding.
Like other sphinx moths, the Nessus sphinx has a very robust, thick abdomen that resembles the fat body of a bird rather than a slim moth. When feeding at flowers while hovering, it can be mistaken for a small hummingbird from a distance.
This species has a more limited range than the white-lined sphinx, extending across the southern United States into Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. It can be spotted in Utah during the summer months visiting flowers, particularly in lower elevation desert regions.
Identification Tips
- Tan or brown coloration with dark banding
- Robust, thick abdomen
- Wingspan around 1.75 to 2.75 inches
- Hovers at flowers to feed
Differences Between Moths and Hummingbirds
Although sphinx moths do a remarkable job of mimicking hummingbirds visually and behaviorally, there are some key differences that can help distinguish them:
| Moth | Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Antennae | No antennae |
| Active at night | Active during the day |
| Hairy bodies | Feathered bodies |
| Sucks nectar through a proboscis (long tongue) | Long slender beak for sucking nectar |
Taking a close look at the insect will reveal antennae, hair rather than feathers, and a long proboscis for feeding on nectar, pointing to it being a moth rather than a hummingbird.
Mimicry Offers Protection
So why did these sphinx moths evolve to look so similar to hummingbirds? The prevailing theory is that mimicry offers them protection. By mimicking a “model” species that is toxic or unappealing to predators, they gain some protection from becoming prey themselves.
Hummingbirds have a few key traits that make them undesirable prey: they are fast and agile fliers, have tough skin and muscles, and have needle-sharp bills that could injure potential predators. Sphinx moths that resemble hummingbirds in appearance and behavior may thus avoid predation from birds, lizards, and other predators fooled by their disguise.
There are many other examples of mimicry in the insect world, such as various flies and moths that resemble stinging wasps and bees. By mimicking something dangerous or unpalatable, they increase their chances of survival.
Where to Spot Them in Utah
Here are some top places in Utah to spot hummingbird moths:
- Canyons and mountain valleys throughout Utah – Areas with flower gardens, parks, or wildflowers often attract sphinx moths if there are host plants nearby for caterpillars.
- Foothills along the Wasatch Front
- Capitol Reef National Park – The flowering plants in the Fruita Historic District attract sphinx moths in summer.
- Bryce Canyon National Park – Look for them feeding on flowers amongst the hoodoos.
- Cedar Breaks National Monument – The summer wildflowers here draw in moths.
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument – Large protected area with diverse habitat to find moths.
- Residential gardens, parks, and flower beds – Sphinx moths are attracted to planted flowers, especially tubular ones.
Going out at dusk to these areas and watching flowers will offer the best chance to observe the moths feeding while hovering. With their speed and aerial agility, focusing on the flowers rather than the insect may be the best approach to catch a glimpse.
Conclusion
The sphinx moths found in Utah provide a fascinating example of evolutions and mimicry in action. Their adaptations allow them to resemble hummingbirds so closely that it’s easy to mistake them on first glance. With a diverse range of habitats and flowers, Utah offers plenty of places to potentially spot these intriguing insects in action and appreciate the many wonders of the natural world.
