Hummingbird Moth

Hummingbird moths (genus Hemaris) are among nature's most convincing mimics, so closely resembling hummingbirds in flight that they routinely fool experienced birdwatchers. These hawk moths hover in front of flowers with audible wingbeats, probing deep tubular blooms with their long proboscis. Unlike most moths, hummingbird moths are diurnal (day-active) and have partially transparent wings that give them a distinctive appearance. They are extremely efficient pollinators for deep-throated flowers like honeysuckle, bee balm, phlox, and verbena. Their hovering flight allows them to visit flowers that lack landing platforms, and their long proboscis enables access to nectar reserves beyond the reach of many other pollinators. The Hummingbird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) can reach speeds of 18 km/h and has excellent color vision.