In the state of Wyoming, there is one particular species of moth that is well-known for resembling a hummingbird. This amazing moth is called the White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata).
Quick Facts About the White-Lined Sphinx Moth
Here are some quick facts about this moth that looks like a hummingbird:
- Species Name: Hyles lineata
- Wingspan: 2.5-3.5 inches
- Coloration: Tan/brown with white stripes on abdomen and outer wings
- Mimics: Hummingbirds
- Range: Throughout North America including Wyoming
- Habitat: Gardens, fields, parks, meadows
- Active Period: Mainly dusk to dawn but does fly during the day
- Larval Host Plants: Willowweed, apple, elm, grape, and other plants
Appearance and Behavior
In flight, the white-lined sphinx moth looks remarkably similar to a hummingbird. It has long, narrow wings and a slender, streamlined body perfect for hovering in front of flowers while feeding. The wings flap at an astonishingly fast rate, allowing the moth to propel itself swiftly from bloom to bloom.
The upperwings of the moth are light tan or brown with dark veins running through them. There are distinctive white bands along the edges of the forewings and hindwings, which is where the moth gets its common name. The abdomen is also tan/brown in color with bright white stripes running horizontally across each segment.
While feeding, the moth uses its long proboscis to drink nectar from flowers such as columbine, petunia, lilac, and others. The shape of the proboscis is very similar to a hummingbird’s bill. This, coupled with the moth’s ability to hover, creates the illusion that a tiny hummingbird is visiting the flower instead of a moth.
In addition to nectar, the adult moths get nutrients from mud puddles and tree sap. They are most active at dawn and dusk but can be seen visiting flowers at all times of day. The moths are fast and tend to startle observers by darting off abruptly when approached.
Life Cycle
The white-lined sphinx moth goes through complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult.
In late spring, female moths lay small green eggs singly on the leaves of host plants. Young caterpillars are black with yellow bands and short horns on the back. As they grow larger, the larvae become pale green with wider yellow bands, posterior horns, and diagonal stripes along the sides. These caterpillars blend in well with foliage and twigs.
When fully grown, the larvae reach 2-3 inches long. At this point, they stop eating and search for a sheltered spot to pupate. The pupa is dark brown and looks like a fat cigar stub with a long pointed tip. It overwinters hidden inside a shallow chamber under debris or soil and emerges the following spring as an adult moth.
Range and Habitat
The white-lined sphinx moth is found throughout most regions of North America. Its range extends from southern Canada through the United States and into Mexico. Within the U.S., it is abundant and widespread in essentially every state including Wyoming.
These moths occupy a variety of habitats but are most numerous in open, sunny areas with an abundance of flowering plants. In Wyoming, they can be found in fields, meadows, parks, gardens, along roadsides, and in other locations where suitable larval host plants and nectar sources grow.
Hummingbird Mimicry
It is believed that the white-lined sphinx moth’s resemblance to hummingbirds benefits the moth by reducing predation. Many of the moths’ predators, like birds and insects, avoid trying to catch hummingbirds and are less likely to attack the moth when it looks like a hummingbird.
This form of mimicry where a harmless species imitates a harmful or toxic species is known as Batesian mimicry. By mimicking dangerous or unpalatable organisms, insects like the white-lined sphinx moth gain protection themselves. Since predators avoid attacking hummingbirds, the moth decreases its own risk of predation by looking like a hummingbird.
In addition, because the moth feeds on nectar just like a hummingbird, it does not alert flowers or other pollinators that an unauthorized nectar thief is visiting. By resembling hummingbirds so closely, the moths avoid triggering defenses by plants or territory attacks by hummingbirds themselves.
Interesting Facts
Here are some additional interesting facts about the amazing white-lined sphinx moth:
- Genus name Hyles comes from the Greek word meaning “forest”
- Species name lineata refers to the distinctive white lines on the wings and abdomen
- Their wings can flap at over 70 beats per second!
- They are skillful hoverers but can also fly swiftly at over 12 mph
- Most active at dusk and dawn but also feed during day
- Adults do not eat much as their mouthparts are degraded and non-functional
- Considered both a blessing and a nuisance by gardeners
- Larvae can be minor pests of agricultural crops
- Also called the hummingbird moth, sphinx moth, and hawk moth
Conclusion
With its impressive hummingbird-like appearance and behavior, the white-lined sphinx moth is truly a unique and remarkable insect. These moths cleverly mimic hummingbirds to avoid predation and detection by other pollinators. Their adaptations allow them to thrive across North America in a variety of environments including the state of Wyoming.
The next time you see a tiny, hovering creature with clear wings visiting flowers in Wyoming, take a closer look – it just might be one of these amazing moths instead of an actual hummingbird!
