Hummingbird Moths are a Garden Surprise!

If you've ever spotted what looked like a tiny hummingbird / butterfly looking thing flitting through your garden—only to realize it wasn’t a butterfly or hummingbird at all—you’ve likely encountered the fascinating clearwinged moth, more commonly known as the hummingbird moth. They are a true treat to have in the garden and if you have one, feel lucky! With its fast-beating wings, hovering flight, and long feeding proboscis, this day-flying moth mimics a hummingbird so convincingly that many people do a double take. These moths belong to the Hemaris genus and are part of the sphinx moth family. The most commonly seen species in North America is the Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe). They're active during the day, especially in the late afternoon and early evening, making them a delightful sight for gardeners and pollinator watchers alike.

Favorite Flowers

Hummingbird moths are nectar lovers. They’re drawn to sweet-scented, tubular flowers where they can hover and sip with their long tongues. Some of their favorites include:

• Bee balm (Monarda)

• Phlox

• Butterfly bush (Buddleia)

• Verbena

• Honeysuckle

• Milkweed

• Joe-Pye weed

Planting these in your garden is a surefire way to attract hummingbird moths and other pollinators. Her Lens Jenny Wiley planted it all at the start of the season, including Lantana, and is now enjoying visits from these unique friends! I see these friends all over my Verbena and Phlox the most!

Life Habits

The life cycle of a hummingbird moth is just as fascinating as its appearance. Females lay eggs on host plants such as honeysuckle (add one to the corner of your garden on a trellis in a huge pot to control its growth), dogbane, or hawthorn. The larvae—caterpillars—are green and often have a small “horn” at the rear, much like other sphinx moths. After feeding and growing, the caterpillars pupate in the soil or leaf litter and eventually emerge as adults, usually in late spring to early summer. So, if you are wondering if you should leave the leaf litter, please do! They need it!

Despite their resemblance to hummingbirds, these moths are completely harmless and play a helpful role in pollination. So, the next time you see a tiny blur zipping from flower to flower, look closely—you may be lucky enough to witness one of nature’s most charming friends. Take your time to follow it around your garden and as it hovers, photograph it. They move fast so you have to be just as quick! Photographing these guys WILL challenge you! Did you get the money shot? Or.... what did you learn from it all? Share it with us!