Hummingbird moths, also known as clearwing moths, are often confused with hummingbirds due to their similar appearance and behavior. Like hummingbirds, these moths can hover in midair and use their long proboscis to drink nectar from flowers. This leads many people to wonder – will a hummingbird moth use a hummingbird feeder?
What are hummingbird moths?
There are over 120 species of hummingbird moths in the family Sphingidae. They are found worldwide, with the majority of species living in the tropics. Hummingbird moths get their name from the fact that they share some key characteristics with hummingbirds:
- They can hover in midair, even going backwards or upside down, due to their specially adapted wings that allow them to beat their wings up to 70 times per second.
- They have long, straw-like proboscis that allows them to drink nectar from flowers while hovering.
- They are diurnal, most active during the day.
- They are important pollinators that move quickly from flower to flower.
Some of the most common species in North America include the clearwing hummingbird moth (Hemaris thysbe), the snowberry clearwing moth (Hemaris diffinis), and the five-spotted hawkmoth (Manduca quinquemaculata). The adult moths of many species resemble bumblebees or wasps, with fuzzy bodies and wings, allowing them to avoid predators through mimicry.
Life cycle and behavior
Hummingbird moths have a complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The adult female lays eggs singly on the host plant for that particular species. The larvae are plump caterpillars that feed on plant leaves. When fully mature, the caterpillar will pupate, often in a cocoon on a plant stem or leaf. After a few weeks to several months, depending on the species, the adult moth emerges.
Adult hummingbird moths are most active during the day, especially at dusk and dawn. They can be observed visiting flowers and feeding on nectar with their long proboscis. Some species migrate, while others overwinter as pupae. In warmer climates they may have multiple generations per year.
Do hummingbird moths visit hummingbird feeders?
Because of their similar feeding behaviors, it seems logical that hummingbird moths would be attracted to hummingbird feeders. And in fact, there are many anecdotal reports of people spotting these moths at their feeders. However, research on the topic has found mixed results.
One study published in the Journal of Urban Ecology monitored hummingbird feeders in residential yards in Arizona. They found that broad-tailed hummingbirds accounted for 97% of nectar feeding observations at the feeders, while hummingbird moths made up just 3% of observations. Other studies have placed moth visitation to feeders at anywhere from 0 to 12%.
These numbers suggest hummingbird moths do utilize feeders, but not nearly to the same degree as hummingbirds. Their lack of reliance on feeders makes sense from an ecological perspective. Hummingbird moths have specialized on feeding from flowers, not human-made feeders. They have a wide array of native wildflowers and garden plants to get all the nectar they need. Meanwhile, hummingbirds have come to rely on feeders as a supplemental food source.
When are they most likely to visit?
While not a primary feeding source, hummingbird feeders may provide a convenient additional nectar source, especially in urban areas with less natural habitat. Moths seem more likely to visit feeders at certain times of year depending on the species. Some observations:
- Hummingbird clearwing moths most commonly visit feeders during mid to late summer when they are most abundant as adults.
- In southern states where they overwinter, moths may visit feeders in early spring.
- Migrating snowberry clearwings are reported at feeders during spring and fall migrations.
- Broad-tailed hummingbirds aggressively defend feeders, so moths may only sneak in when hummingbird numbers decline in the fall.
Monitoring your feeders during the times of year moths are flying in your area will give you the best chance to observe them feeding. Early morning and dusk are ideal viewing times.
How to attract hummingbird moths
While feeders attract hummingbirds, moths are more drawn to flowers. Here are some tips to attract hummingbird moths to your garden:
- Plant tubular flowers with lots of nectar, including honeysuckles, bee balm, verbena, lantana, petunias, and trumpet vine.
- Choose flowers with bright red, orange, yellow or pink blooms, which these visual pollinators are magnetized to.
- Have several clumps of the same plant together, as moths like to visit many flowers in quick succession.
- Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.
- Avoid pesticides which could poison the moths.
- Set up a hanging plant like fuchsia or impatienents which the moths can easily hover around.
- Provide mud puddles which the moths use for drinking and obtaining minerals.
Making your garden moth-friendly will allow you to observe some of nature’s most amazing flying insects up close. You may also spot moths feeding from lawn flowers like clover if you let some areas of your yard grow wild.
Conclusion
While hummingbird moths do sometimes visit hummingbird feeders, they rely much more heavily on natural sources of nectar from flowers. Planting a diversity of nectar-rich flowers will attract many more moths than a feeder alone. Focusing on flowers benefits these important pollinators by providing the food source they are biologically adapted for. With the right habitat, you can enjoy watching moths and hummingbirds side-by-side as they feed on flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of flowers attract hummingbird moths?
Some of the best flowers to attract hummingbird moths include tubular flowers with lots of nectar like honeysuckles, bee balm, trumpet vine, verbena, impatiens, fuchsia, petunias, and flowering tobacco. Brightly colored red, orange, pink, or yellow blooms also help attract these visual pollinators.
How do you identify a hummingbird moth?
Hummingbird moths can be identified by their ability to hover while feeding, long proboscis that uncurls to drink nectar, fuzzy bodies and fast fluttering wings. They are most active during the day. Their size ranges from just 3/4 inch to over 5 inches in wingspan depending on the species. Prominent species in North America include the hummingbird clearwing, snowberry clearwing, and five-spotted hawkmoth.
Do hummingbird moths bite or sting?
No, hummingbird moths do not bite or sting. They have a coilable straw-like proboscis used only for drinking nectar. While some species mimic the look of wasps and bees for protection, they have no stingers or biting mouthparts. Hummingbird moths are harmless to humans.
What is the lifespan of a hummingbird moth?
The adult lifespan of hummingbird moths varies by species, but is typically fairly short, similar to many other moths. They may live anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks as adults. Most of their life is spent in the caterpillar or pupal stage. For example, hummingbird clearwings spend about 10-11 months as a caterpillar before pupating and emerging as an adult moth for a few weeks.
When are hummingbird moths active?
Hummingbird moths are primarily active during daylight hours. Peak activity periods are often around dawn and dusk. Some species also feed heavily at night on flowers that open or produce nectar after dark. Night-blooming flowers like jasmine, angel’s trumpet and flowering tobacco attract these nighttime pollinators.
Do hummingbird moths migrate?
Some species of hummingbird moths, like the ruby-throated hummingbird, are known to migrate long distances between their breeding and wintering habitat. Others like the hummingbird clearwing may have more localized seasonal movements. Still other species do not migrate and can be found in the same regions year-round where they overwinter as pupae.
Key Takeaways
- Hummingbird moths can hover and extract nectar from flowers like hummingbirds, but they are actually specialized day-flying moths.
- They occasionally visit hummingbird feeders, especially during migration or peak activity periods, but do not rely on them like hummingbirds do.
- Planting nectar-rich flowers is a better way to attract hummingbird moths to your yard than using a feeder.
- Common species in North America include the hummingbird clearwing, snowberry clearwing, and five-spotted hawkmoths.
- Hummingbird moths are important pollinators that migrate long distances in some cases.
Comparison of Hummingbird Moths and Hummingbirds
Trait | Hummingbird Moth | Hummingbird |
---|---|---|
Hovering Ability | Can hover to feed on nectar | Hovers while feeding |
Active Time | Daytime | Daytime |
Nectar Feeding | Long proboscis to drink nectar | Long beak for drinking nectar |
Pollination | Pollinates flowers | Major pollinator |
Migration | Some species migrate long distances | Famous for migrating 500-4000 miles |
Use of Feeders | Occasional | Regular/consistent |
While they fill a similar ecological niche, hummingbird moths and hummingbirds belong to different biological families, with moths in the Lepidoptera order and hummingbirds classified as birds. However, watching a hummingbird moth hover gracefully from flower to flower, it’s easy to understand why they’re named after their avian counterparts.
How to Differentiate Hummingbird Moths and Hummingbirds
Telling a hummingbird moth apart from a hummingbird takes a keen eye. Here are a few differences to look for:
- Antennae – Moths have visible, often feathery antennae while birds lack antennae.
- Colors – Hummingbird moth colors are more muted compared to the iridescent, vibrant plumage of hummingbirds.
- Wings – Moths have four wings while birds have two wings.
- Flight – Moth flight tends to be more erratic compared to a hummingbird’s smooth, graceful flight pattern.
- Body Shape – Moths have stout, fuzzier bodies whereas hummingbirds have slender and streamlined profiles.
When seen well, the insect traits of antennae, four wings and stocky body shape help distinguish hummingbird moths. But they move so swiftly that it can be tricky to discern these details! Using a combination of characteristics helps confirm an identification in cases of doubt.
Unique Traits of Hummingbird Moths
Rapid Wing Beats
A key adaptation that allows hummingbird moths to hover is their ability to beat their wings up to 70 times per second. For comparison, hummingbirds beat their wings around 50 times per second. This rapid wing movement generates the lift necessary to stay suspended in midair.
Long Proboscis
Hummingbird moths have an extremely long, straw-like proboscis which they use to access nectar at the base of tubular flowers. When not in use, it coils up under the head. This key adaptation allows them to reach nectar without needing to land on the flower.
Mouse-Sized
Despite being called “hummingbird” moths, their size is not that of a bird. Most species have only a 2-3 inch wingspan, closer in size to a large bumblebee. The giant hawk moths of Central and South America are exceptions, with wingspans around 5 inches.
Camouflage and Mimicry
Many species resemble bees or wasps, sporting bold yellows, blacks and fuzzy striping. This provides protective coloration mimicking stinging insects and helps the moths avoid predators. Some also have eye spots on their wings to ward off predators.
Seasonal Life Cycle
Hummingbird moths complete their entire lifecycle in just one year. The short-lived adults emerge to mate and reproduce, then die off, all within a few months. This results in seasonal cycles of higher population and activity in the warmer months.
Threats and Conservation
While hummingbird moths are currently fairly common, they face a few conservation threats to monitor:
- Pesticide use – Chemicals reduce larval host plants and nectar sources
- Urbanization – Reduces natural habitat and food plant availability
- Climate change – Could alter seasonal lifecycles and geographic ranges
Providing pesticide-free habitat with native plants can help support healthy moth populations. Particularly planting for both caterpillar host plants and nectar sources creates ideal pollinator gardens to attract hummingbird moths.
Citizen Science Observation
Contributing observations to citizen science databases like iNaturalist or BAMONA helps track moth distribution and activity. This data aids scientists in monitoring the health of different species.
Support Habitat Conservation
Efforts to preserve native ecosystems and establish pollinator-friendly habitat and corridors provide invaluable refuge for moth populations.
Reduce Pesticide Usage
Eliminating or reducing usage of pesticides and herbicides in yards and gardens minimizes toxins beneficial moths and caterpillars are exposed to.
With a little habitat support, we can ensure dazzling hummingbird moths continue hovering through many flower gardens to come.