A hummingbird moth with two white stripes is a species of moth that resembles a hummingbird. These moths belong to the Sphingidae family, which contains hawk moths, sphinx moths, and hornworms. The species that is most well known for having two distinctive white stripes is the hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe).
Description
The hummingbird clearwing moth has a wingspan of 1.5-2.5 inches. Its body is covered in fuzzy hairs and its wings are mostly transparent with reddish-brown edges. There are two bold white stripes that run horizontally across both forewings. These stripes distinguish it from other similar looking species that may have only one stripe or none at all.
In flight, the rapid wing beats of the hummingbird clearwing give the impression of a hovering hummingbird. This hovering behavior, along with its long beak-like mouthparts, allows the moth to feed on nectar from flowers in a similar way to hummingbirds. When at rest with wings folded, the moth closely resembles a dead leaf.
Range and Habitat
The hummingbird clearwing moth is widespread across much of North America. Its range extends from southern Canada south to Florida and Mexico. It lives in a variety of habitat types including meadows, woodland edges, yards and gardens. Any areas that provide its preferred larval host plants and nectar sources will be suitable habitat.
In the western parts of its range, the white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) occupies similar habitat. This moth resembles the hummingbird clearwing but only has one white line crossing its forewing rather than two.
Life Cycle
Hummingbird clearwing moths produce one generation per year. The adult moths emerge in late spring and live for around 2-6 weeks as adults. After mating, the female lays eggs singly on the leaves of host plants. Caterpillars will hatch out and begin feeding on leaves.
Some of the main host plants used are honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.), snowberries (Symphoricarpos spp.), and bush honeysuckles (Diervilla spp.). The caterpillars blend in well on these plants, resembling bird droppings with their greenish-white coloration.
When fully grown, the caterpillars will pupate in leaf litter or soil. They overwinter as pupae before emerging as adult moths in spring. The pupal stage lasts about 9-11 months.
Parental Care
Like most moth species, the hummingbird clearwing does not display any form of parental care. The female lays her eggs and the hatchlings are left to fend for themselves. Survival of the larvae depends on their ability to find and camouflage themselves on suitable host plants.
Predators and Threats
Young hummingbird clearwing moth caterpillars are vulnerable to predators like birds, reptiles, amphibians and other insects. Their leaf-like appearance helps provide camouflage against predators. As adults, the moths’ excellent flying skills also help them evade capture.
This species faces few major threats currently and maintains stable populations across most of its range. As with many insects, use of pesticides can pose a hazard if applied directly to the caterpillar host plants. Otherwise, the hummingbird clearwing’s ability to thrive in human-altered habitat allows it persist in many areas.
Behavior
Adult hummingbird clearwing moths feed on nectar from flowers with their long proboscis. They prefer tubular flowers with abundant nectar including honeysuckles, bee balm, and butterfly bush. The moths hover in front of the blooms and unfurl their proboscis to sip the nectar reward.
This species is diurnal, active during the daytime hours. At night, the moths are generally inactive and rest hidden among foliage. The lifespan of the adult moth is short, lasting approximately 2-6 weeks during which mating and reproduction occurs.
The caterpillars are ambush predators. They sit motionless on the undersides of leaves and grab prey that passes by. Prey includes other insects like aphids, flies and caterpillars. The caterpillars will also feed on leaves of the host plant at night.
Adaptations
Many aspects of the hummingbird clearwing moth’s anatomy and behavior are adaptations to facilitate feeding on nectar.
Some behavioral adaptations include:
- Hovering flight allows access to tubular flowers
- Long proboscis can reach nectar at the base of flowers
- Diurnal activity coincides with nectar production
Physical adaptations include:
- Rapidly beating wings provide the ability to hover
- Straw-like mouthparts form a proboscis for sucking up nectar
- Long tongue to reach nectar
- Excellent vision to spot flowers
- Dull coloration to blend in among dead leaves when resting
The caterpillars also show adaptations for camouflage including their cryptic coloration and shape resembling bird droppings on leaves. Overall, the suite of adaptations allows both the adult and larval stage to evade predators, access food sources, and thrive in their environment.
Interaction with Humans
The resemblance to hummingbirds often sparks people’s interest in the hummingbird clearwing moth. They can be attracted to gardens, especially those with suitable nectar plants. Moth enthusiasts may specifically grow favored plants to draw in the moths for observation.
While the caterpillars feed on the leaves of some common garden shrubs, the damage is typically minimal. The moths do not require any special management. Observation and photographing of the adults are common activities that people enjoy.
This sphinx moth along with its moth relatives have inspired artwork and designs depicting their elegance and unique adaptations. More recently, the moth’s hovering behavior and wing structure have influenced the development of micro air vehicles and other flight technology.
Taxonomy
The hummingbird clearwing moth belongs to the following classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Sphingidae
- Genus: Hemaris
- Species: Hemaris thysbe
This species was first described by Dru Drury in 1773. For many years it was placed in its own genus called Thyris, but is now classified under the Hemaris genus.
There are over 1400 species in the Sphingidae family of moths. This family includes hawk moths, sphinx moths, and hornworms.
Key Facts
- Wingspan ranges from 1.5-2.5 in (38-63 mm)
- Forewings transparent with reddish-brown borders and two white stripes
- Resembles a hummingbird in flight
- Hovers in front of flowers to drink nectar
- Found across North America
- Larval hosts include honeysuckles, snowberries, and bush honeysuckles
- Overwinters as a pupa in soil
- Adults emerge in late spring and live 2-6 weeks
Conclusion
The hummingbird clearwing moth is a fascinating species that mimics a hummingbird in appearance and behavior. Its distinct white wing stripes differentiate it from similar looking moths. This diurnal moth hovers at flowers to sip nectar through its long proboscis. It can be found across North America in many habitat types. The moth’s life cycle includes egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult stages with one generation per year. Its unique adaptations help the moth access food sources and avoid predators in both its larval and adult forms. The graceful hummingbird clearwing attracts interest from gardeners and moth enthusiasts who enjoy observing its beauty and hover feeding.
