A garden full of wildlife is always such a joy, and hummingbird moths are some of the coolest visitors.
They go quickly from flower to flower just like their bird namesakes. Most are helpful pollinators, but some might cause trouble because they love to munch on plants.
What amazes me the most is that there are over 1,400 species worldwide, each with unique characteristics and colors. They might even look a bit like the rufous hummingbird with their reddish-brown coloring!
While some moths can be pests, most are harmless and fun to watch. Want to learn how to welcome the good guys only? If so, just keep on reading!
1. Rocky Mountain Clearwing Looks Just Like A Bumblebee
Meet the Rocky Mountain clearwing – a clever little moth that looks just like a bumblebee! This disguise helps keep predators away while it sips nectar.
Its see-through wings give it the nickname “clearwing“. While it looks like its golden snowberry cousin, this species is more brownish and has a red spot on its forewings.
You’ll spot these moths in the western U.S. and Canada (specifically in the Pacific Northwest). The best part about them (besides being extra cute) is that they are not pests.
Just plant some dogbane or honeysuckle, and you’ll have these pollinators buzzing cheerfully in your garden.
2. Common Clearwing Hummingbird Moth Is A Hummingbird In Disguise
If you hear a soft hum near your flowers and spot a tiny, fuzzy flier, you might think it’s a hummingbird. But take a closer look because it could be a common clearwing hummingbird moth!
These little creatures mimic hummingbirds with their size, rapid wing flapping, and hovering skills. They even create that familiar buzzing sound.
You can recognize them by their olive-green back, reddish-brown belly, and whitish legs. Their big eyes make them even more delightful. These moths love to visit gardens from late spring to early fall, especially in the eastern U.S.
While their caterpillars might nibble on leaves, they rarely cause noticeable damage. The adults sip nectar from deep-throated flowers that smaller pollinators can’t reach. Their long tongues make them perfect for pollinating plants that need a little extra help.
Also read: These 7 Amazing Herbs Will Attract Beneficial Insects To Your Garden
3. Five-Spotted Hawkmoth Is The Largest Of Them All
The five-spotted hawkmoth has a wingspan over 5 inches, which makes them one of the largest hummingbird moths out there!
Its brownish-gray wings have wavy patterns and its body is covered in yellow dots and blue-black spots. This moth is absolutely gorgeous, though it might not be so good for the garden.
Its larvae (the infamous tomato hornworms) can grow up to 5 inches long and love to snack on tomatoes, peppers, and other nightshade plants. These green caterpillars are easy to spot thanks to their horn-like tails.
To protect your garden, you can hand-pick hornworms or plant yarrow to attract helpful parasitic wasps that naturally control them.
Also read: Here’s A Type Of Hummingbird Moth That Can Destroy Your Tomatoes Faster Than You Think
4. Snowberry Clearwing Cleverly Fools Predators
The snowberry clearwing is also often mistaken for a bumblebee thanks to its yellow-and-black-striped body.
This clever “costume” keeps predators away, while its hovering abilities and fanned tail might even trick you into thinking it’s a tiny hummingbird!
These fascinating inch-long pollinators thrive in the eastern U.S. and parts of the west. They absolutely adore flowers like lilacs and snowberries during summer.
Their greenish caterpillars might nibble on some leaves, though they are pretty harmless to the garden.
5. White-Lined Sphinx Moth Looks Like The Great Sphinx Of Giza
The white-lined sphinx moth is a cool hummingbird moth named after its caterpillar, which looks like the Great Sphinx of Giza when it rests!
As an adult, this moth has a wingspan of 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches, with brown wings featuring yellowish-tan stripes and a pink band on its hindwings.
These moths are common across North America and can be found in many places. While their caterpillars sometimes munch on grapes and other plants, they don’t usually cause much harm. Instead, they help pollinate flowers.
If you want to attract them, try planting light-colored flowers that shine in the moonlight and avoid pesticides. They’ll repay you with their beautiful flying display!
You see, even moths can be fun and helpful. Just grow their favorite flowers and watch them buzz to your garden, making everything more cheery.
Also read: The Purple Flowering Shrub That Attracts Hummingbirds, Butterflies, And Bees Like A Magnet