Hummingbird moths are a group of insects in the family Sphingidae that are known for their ability to hover in midair while feeding on nectar, similar to hummingbirds. There are over 1,500 species of hummingbird moths found worldwide, but some regions and habitats are especially favorable for these unique insects.
North America
Many of the most common and recognizable hummingbird moth species are found in North America. In the United States and Canada, the white-lined sphinx (Hyles lineata), hummingbird clearwing (Hemaris thysbe), and snowberry clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) are widespread and can be spotted feeding during the day in gardens and other flowery habitats.
The Rocky Mountains and west coast regions are particularly rich in hummingbird moth diversity. For example, the Mojave Desert and canyonlands of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado host rare species like the Madagascan sunset moth (Hyles livornica) and Big Bend hummingbird moth (Hyles biglobosa). These moths thrive in hot, arid environments among flowering desert plants.
Along the Pacific Coast, species like the California hummingbird moth (Hyles lineata californica) and vineyard sphinx (Sphinx drupiferarum) can be found in coastal scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland ecosystems from Baja California to British Columbia.
Central and South America
Hummingbird moths reach their greatest diversity in the neotropical regions of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Countries like Ecuador, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Colombia contain hundreds of hummingbird moth species, many of which are endemic to small geographic areas.
In these tropical environments, hummingbird moths occupy a huge range of habitats, from lowland rainforests to high elevation cloud forests. Examples of spectacular tropical species include the blue-bellied hummingbird hawk-moth (Cephonodes hylas), which has an iridescent blue abdomen, and the giant hummingbird moth (Cocytius antaeus), which has a wingspan over 5 inches.
Europe
While the majority of hummingbird moths occur in the New World tropics, a number of species are also native to Europe. For example, the hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is common across much of Europe and can be spotted feeding on garden flowers in summer.
Southern European countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece harbor the most hummingbird moth species. Examples include the rare twin-spotted sphinx (Smerinthus kindermanni) of Spain and the Italian honey suckle moth (Hemaris croatica). Many of Europe’s hummingbird moths are habitat specialists that thrive in Mediterranean ecosystems.
Africa
Africa is home to around 300 species of hummingbird moths, most of which are found in the sub-Saharan tropical and subtropical regions. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and South Africa contain high hummingbird moth diversity.
Some notable African species are the Transvaal hawkmoth (Cephonodes trochilus) of South Africa, which mimics bees, and the long-tailed hawkmoth (Coelonia fulvinotata) of East Africa, which has streamer-like tails over 5 inches long on its hindwings.
Asia
While they don’t quite reach the diversity found in the New World, Asia is still home to over 300 species of hummingbird moths, primarily in tropical areas. For example, Malaysia and Indonesia host approximately 90 species, including Wallace’s sphinx moth (Psilogramma wallacei) and the Malay clearwing (Celerena malayica).
In India, species like Beddome’s hawkmoth (Cephonodes trochilus) and the nilgiri hawkmoth (Cephonodes hylas) are found in a range of tropical forest and garden habitats. Northeastern Asia also contains some hummingbird moths, such as the Chinese tailed hawk-moth (Triptogon lugubris).
Australia and Oceania
The hummingbird moth fauna of Australia and Oceania is less diverse than tropical areas, but the region is still home to some fascinating species. In Australia, there are around 12 native hummingbird moths, including the widespread brown hummingbird hawkmoth (Hemaris thysbe) and the rarer mountain hummingbird hawkmoth (Hemaris dentata).
New Zealand has only one hummingbird moth, the Wainui leafroller (Tmetolophota atristriga). However, it is noteworthy for being one of the few hummingbird moth species to feed primarily on tree sap rather than nectar.
Favored Habitats
While hummingbird moths occupy a wide range of ecosystems worldwide, there are certain habitat types and floral resources they are especially attracted to:
- Gardens – both native plants and nectar-rich ornamentals like lantana, butterfly bush, zinnias, and petunias attract hummingbird moths.
- Meadows and open fields – native wildflowers provide excellent nectar sources.
- Forest edges and trails – allow access to woodland flowers.
- Desert washes – Concentrate scarce flowering plants in arid environments.
- Coastal scrub – Diverse flowering shrubs appeal to some coastal species.
Providing an abundance of suitable nectar flowers is usually the best way to increase hummingbird moth activity in any given area.
Seasonal Patterns
Most hummingbird moth species have set yearly emergence times and are only active as adults for a few weeks or months. This corresponds with the flowering period of their preferred food plants. Some general patterns include:
- Spring – Species like the snowberry clearwing emerge to coincide with early spring flowers.
- Summer – Most North American hummingbird moths peak in mid to late summer.
- Year-round – In tropical zones, different hummingbird moth species may be on the wing continuously.
- Irregular – Some species have multiple broods or are active sporadically throughout the warm season.
Knowing the flight time of favorite local species helps with planning the best times for observation. Planting a sequence of flowering plants can help provide nectar through the whole period when hummingbird moths are active.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Activity
One trait that distinguishes hummingbird moths from most other moths is that many species feed during the day rather than at night. Some differences between day and night foragers include:
- Day flyers – Attracted to red, orange, and pink flowers; often have camouflage markings.
- Night flyers – Follow white and pale flowers; often plain brown colored.
- Dawn/dusk – Some crepuscular species feed at twilight hours.
However, there are also day-flying hawkmoths and night-flying sphinx moths, so time of activity does not cleanly separate all species. Getting to observe the intricate hovering behavior of hummingbird moths often means looking for them during sunlight hours.
Mimicry
Many hummingbird moth species employ mimicry to help protect themselves. Some common mimicry strategies include:
- Bee mimics – Hawkmoths like the hummingbird clearwing resemble plump, hairy bees.
- Wasp mimics – Tailed sphinx moths copy wasp warning coloration patterns.
- Bird droppings – Disguise may help some species avoid predation while resting.
- Leaves – Green, leaf-like markings camouflage a few species.
This mimetic coloration and patterning lends added diversity and interest to observing hummingbird moths, as they can closely resemble other insects or objects in nature.
Migration
Many hummingbird moth species migrate, moving between different regions and habitats during their annual cycle. This allows them to take advantage of seasonal food sources and suitable climate conditions. Some migration examples include:
- Southwestern US – Some species move north along mountain corridors in spring.
- Europe – Hummingbird hawk-moths migrate north to arrive in Northern Europe each summer.
- Africa – Palearctic migrants like the convolvulus hawk-moth appear in North Africa in fall.
- Tropical regions – Some higher elevation tropical moths move to lower valleys in winter.
Tracking and reporting hummingbird moth sightings during migration periods contributes helpful data for research and conservation.
Threats and Conservation
Habitat loss, pesticide use, invasive species, and climate change all pose threats to hummingbird moth populations globally. However, a few ways to support their conservation include:
- Native plant gardens providing pesticide-free habitat.
- Citizen science monitoring through projects like Hummingbird Moth Migration Research.
- Protection for delicate ecosystems that endemic species depend on.
- Raising awareness of hummingbird moths and their ecological roles.
Given their charisma and close connections with flowering plants, hummingbird moths can serve as excellent ambassadors to engage the public in habitat conservation efforts.
Conclusion
With over 1,500 species worldwide, hummingbird moths display an impressive diversity of form, behavior, and habitat preferences. While they reach their greatest richness in tropical areas of the Americas, hummingbird moth hotspots occur on every continent except Antarctica. By providing suitable nectar sources and protecting vulnerable ecosystems, we can help ensure these fascinating moths continue to hover through gardens and wild areas for years to come.
