Hummingbird moths are fascinating insects that get their name from their ability to hover and feed on flower nectar much like hummingbirds. While they resemble hummingbirds, hummingbird moths are actually a type of moth. There are over 150 different species of hummingbird moth, and they are found all over the world. These speedy insects have some interesting transformations throughout their life cycle. Keep reading to learn more about what hummingbird moths turn into!
What Are Hummingbird Moths?
Hummingbird moths, also sometimes called hawk moths, are moths that belong to the Sphingidae family. They are medium to large moths with long wings and the ability to hover in place much like hummingbirds as they feed on nectar from flowers. There are many different species found all over the world, but some of the most common in North America include:
- White-lined sphinx moth
- Hummingbird clearwing moth
- Snowberry clearwing moth
- Five-spotted hawk moth
- Tomato hornworm moth
- Tobacco hornworm moth
Some key features of hummingbird moths:
- Long narrow wings – Allow for hovering and swift flight
- Long proboscis – For reaching nectar at the base of long flower tubes
- Daytime activity – Most active during the day while feeding
- Hairy bodies – Covered in fuzzy hair-like scales
- Camouflage – Colors blend into flowers and foliage
- Fast wing beats – Approximately 70 beats per second!
Their unique adaptations allow them to hover and feed on flower nectar much like hummingbirds, hence their name. Next, let’s look at the hummingbird moth life cycle.
The Hummingbird Moth Life Cycle
Hummingbird moths undergo complete metamorphosis throughout their life cycle. This means they go through four distinct stages of development:
- Egg – Female lays eggs on host plants
- Caterpillar – Larvae hatch and feed on host plants
- Pupa – Larvae form cocoons and pupate
- Adult moth – Adult moths emerge from pupa to reproduce
Let’s take a closer look at each stage:
Egg Stage
– The female hummingbird moth lays eggs on the underside of leaves of suitable host plants, usually at night
– Eggs are very small (about 1mm) and round
– Color varies between species from green, yellow, to off-white
– Numbers anywhere from 1 to over 100 eggs may be laid by a single female
Caterpillar Stage
– After about a week, the eggs hatch into larvae known as caterpillars or hornworms
– Larvae feed on the leaves of host plants and grow rapidly, molting several times as they grow
– Prominent horn-like structure on rear end gives them “hornworm” name
– Larval period lasts 2-6 weeks depending on species and growing conditions
Pupa Stage
– The caterpillar will become Still Make securing multiped to ground, tree bark or leaves and forms a pupal cell lined with silk
– Inside the pupal case, the caterpillar transforms into the pupa through metamorphosis
– Pupal stage lasts 1-3 weeks depending on species
Adult Moth Stage
– Adult moth emerges from pupal case after metamorphosis complete
– Wing expansion and hardening takes place before first flight
– Adults feed on nectar from flowers using their long proboscis
– Lifespan around 2 weeks to 2 months depending on species
– Adults mate and females lay eggs to start the cycle again
Now that we’ve covered the stages of the hummingbird moth life cycle, let’s look at the key transformations throughout these stages into adulthood.
Transformations Throughout the Hummingbird Moth Life Cycle
Hummingbird moths undergo some amazing changes throughout their life cycle as they transform from an egg into a larva, then a pupa, and finally an adult moth. Here are some of the key transformations they go through:
Egg to Caterpillar
– Size increases from 1mm to up to 5 inches in length
– Egg shell is shed as caterpillar hatches
– Body changes from round to cylindrical
– Legs and head capsule develop
– Horn appears on rear end
Caterpillar to Pupa
– Larva stops eating and attaches itself to a surface
– Body shortens and hardens into a pupal case
– Caterpillar’s tissues break down and reorganize into adult moth structures
– Head, legs, antennae, and wings form
– Emergence of adult coloration
Pupa to Adult Moth
– Pupal case splits open to reveal adult moth
– Wings expand and body elongates
– Colors and patterns on wings and body become visible
– Compound eyes, legs, and proboscis finish developing
– From flightless larva to active flying adult!
What Do Hummingbird Moth Caterpillars Eat?
Hummingbird moth caterpillars are specialized feeders, eating mainly leaves of a limited number of host plants. Some common host plants include:
| Hummingbird Moth Species | Host Plants |
|---|---|
| White-lined sphinx | Elm, grape, Virginia creeper |
| Hummingbird clearwing | Honeysuckle, snowberry |
| Tobacco hornworm | Tobacco, tomato, pepper, potato |
| Five-spotted hawk moth | Tomato, potato, primrose |
As larvae, they will feed exclusively on the leaves of their host plants. Some species can be agricultural pests when their hosts are crop plants. For example, the tomato hornworm can damage tomato plants. Most species however do not cause significant damage.
What is the Pupal Stage Like?
During the pupal stage, hummingbird moths undergo tremendous changes inside their protective cocoons. Here are some details on the fascinating mechanics of the pupal stage:
- Larva sheds outer skin layer, revealing shiny brown pupa underneath
- Pupates on host plant, bark, building sides, etc. using silk to attach
- Shortens in length, wings and limbs pressed to body
- Does not feed, lives off stored larval fat reserves
- Inside pupa, organs break down as adult structures form
- Compound eyes, wings, legs, mouthparts form but not yet functional
- Metamorphosis takes 1-3 weeks depending on species
- Pupal case splits and adult moth emerges
The pupal stage is a time of significant change and development. While it may appear inactive from the outside, intricate and radical metamorphosis is taking place inside to transform into the adult form.
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbird moths go through a complex life cycle with great transformations throughout. Starting from eggs laid on host plants, they hatch into caterpillars that voraciously feed on leaves. The caterpillars then form pupae, inside which metamorphosis takes place to transform into winged adult moths. The adults emerge, mate, and start the cycle over again by laying eggs. These fascinating insects take on vastly different forms throughout their development. Their specialized adaptations, from caterpillar eating machines to nectar-sipping adults, allow them to survive and thrive in their environments. If you spot what looks like a tiny hovering hummingbird, take a closer look – it just might be one of these moth mimics!
