I am often asked about the bug that looks like a hummingbird. This little creature is actually a moth in the family Noctuidae. There are many species of noctuid moths, but the one that resembles a hummingbird most closely is the hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe).
The hummingbird clearwing moth gets its name from its striking resemblance to a hummingbird in flight. These moths are active during the day and are frequently seen hovering near flowers, just like their avian namesake.
The adult moths have transparent wings with dark markings and a body shape that makes them look very much like hummingbirds.
The larvae of these moths are known as “hornworms” because of the long, spiraling “horn” on their rear end.
If you’ve ever seen a hummingbird up close, you know that they are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. They are also one of the tiniest, with some species measuring less than 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) long.
So it’s no surprise that there is a bug that looks like a hummingbird!
This insect is called a hawk moth, and while it doesn’t hover as a hummingbird does, it can fly very quickly and maneuver effortlessly through the air. Hawk moths are found all over the world and come in many colors and patterns.
Some even have “false eyes” on their wings to fool predators into thinking they are much bigger than they actually are.
While these insects don’t feed on nectar as hummingbirds do, they are still important pollinators of many plants and flowers.
So if you see one flying around your garden, be sure to give it a watchful eye – you just might be lucky enough to witness one of nature’s most amazing flying machines in action!
Is It Rare to See a Hummingbird Moth?
Hummingbird moths are actually quite common, especially in North America. In fact, there are over 150 species of hummingbird moths worldwide!
However, they can be difficult to spot because they are often active at night and have a very fast flight speed.
Nevertheless, if you keep your eyes peeled you may just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one of these fascinating creatures!
What Do Hummingbird Moths Turn Into?
Most people are familiar with the common hummingbird, a small bird with brightly colored feathers that is known for its ability to hover in midair.
What many people don’t know is that there is also a type of moth that shares many of these same characteristics. These moths, which are members of the family Sphingidae, are commonly known as hummingbird moths or hawk moths.
There are over 1,200 species of hawk moth, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. The most common type of hummingbird moth in North America is the white-lined sphinx moth.
These moths get their name from their long, narrow bodies and wingspans that can reach up to 4 inches (10.16 centimeters).
They are also notable for their bright colors and patterns, which can include shades of green, brown, pink, and purple. Like hummingbirds, these moths are able to hover in place by rapidly flapping their wings. They are also attracted to nectar-rich flowers, where they feed using a long proboscis (tongue).
In fact, many people mistake them for actual hummingbirds at first glance! The life cycle of a hummingbird moth begins when the eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars).
The caterpillars will go through several stages of growth before spinning cocoons and emerging as adult moths.
Depending on the species, this process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. Once they become adults, most hawk moths only live for about a week or two.
During this time they will mate and lay eggs so that the cycle can begin anew. Some species may overwinter as either larvae or pupae (the stage between larva and adult) before emerging in the springtime.
What Looks Like Hummingbird But is an Insect?
There are a few different types of insects that resemble hummingbirds! The most common type is called a hawk moth, which can be found in gardens and fields all over the world.
These moths are attracted to flowers, just like hummingbirds, and they even make a similar humming sound as they fly.
Other types of insects that look like hummingbirds include sphinx moths and clearwing moths. These insects are usually much larger than actual hummingbirds, but they share many of the same features, such as long wings and narrow bodies.
Is There an Insect Like a Hummingbird?
No, there is not an insect like a hummingbird.
Hummingbird Moth facts: also known as hawk moths | Animal Fact Files
Hummingbird Moth Vs Hummingbird
There are a few key differences between hummingbird moths and hummingbirds. For one, hummingbird moths are actually sphinx moths in the family Sphingidae. They get their common name from their strong resemblance to hummingbirds.
However, there are a few key ways to tell them apart. For one, hummingbird moths are much larger than most hummingbirds. Their wingspan can range from 2-4 inches, while most hummingbirds only have a wingspan of 3-4 inches.
Additionally, if you look closely at a hummingbird moth’s wings, you’ll notice that they have scales – something that hummingbirds lack. Another key difference is in their feeding habits.
While both creatures primarily feed on nectar, hummingbird moths also feed on pollen and honeydew – two things that Hummingbirds don’t eat.
Finally, while both creatures are known for their rapid wing beats (which help them hover in place), the frequency of a hummingbird moth’s wing beats is much lower than that of a hummingbird.
Conclusion
The Bug That Looks Like a Hummingbird is actually a species of moth known as the hummingbird clearwing. These moths are found in North America and are known for their striking resemblance to hummingbirds.
The adult moths have transparent wings with dark markings, and they hover around flowers just like hummingbirds do.
The larvae of these moths feed on the leaves of various trees, including birch, willow, and maple.
