How to attract the Hummingbird Clearwing and Hawk Moths to your garden
This montage of hummingbird moth images shows the caterpillar stage (top) and the moths feeding on various garden plants.
The first time you see one visiting your flowers it’s likely to bring a smile to your face knowing that hummingbirds have found your flowers. But it’s not long before you realize that this little fella buzzing around your flowers is the oddest looking hummingbird you’ve ever seen.
That’s because the Clearwing and Hawk moths are not hummingbirds at all despite the fact they look and fly so much like a hummingbird that even knowledgeable hummingbird watchers can be fooled at first glance.
In fact, several years ago a neighbour called me over to tell me that they had seen an unusual hummingbird in their garden and that no bird book they could find listed this particular species of hummingbird. It was not until I pointed out that these little expert flyers were not birds at all, but a type of moth that mimicked hummingbirds.
Hummingbird moths are from the family of sphinx moths. In North America, there are four types of hummingbird moths: hummingbird clearwing moths, white-lined sphinx moths, snowberry clearwing moths and slender clearwing moths.
The hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe) are most often seen during the summer fluttering about in open and second-growth habitats, including gardens. They occupy a similar range as our hummingbirds and feed on many of the same plants.
Adult clearwing moths generally have a wingspan of 4–6 cm. The head is olive to tan. The thorax is olive to golden-olive; the abdomen is dark burgundy, with light olive to dark golden patches dorsally. Their wings are clear with a reddish-brown border and veins. Their legs are yellowish or pale coloured.
The larvae or caterpillars are bright green with a line of white dots that end in a fleshy, pointy horn that resembles a tail. There are also small reddish spots along its side. They most often can be found dining on the leaves of honeysuckle, snowberry, hawthorns, cherries and plums, as well as the European cranberry bush.
Unlike most other moths, the hummingbird clearwing moths fly and feed during the daytime.
For more on hummingbirds in the garden, check out the following posts:
• How to help Hummingbirds during migration
• Five tips to attract hummingbirds
Notice how the wings of these moths show clear areas – much like a bee’s wing – as they feed on colourful native and non-native garden flowers.
What’s the difference between Hummingbird moths and Hummingbird clearwing moths?
Hummingbird moths and Hummingbird clearwing moths may sound similar, but they are actually two different species. While both are often mistaken for hummingbirds due to their similar appearance and behaviors, there are some key differences between them.
One major difference is their scientific classification.
Hummingbird moths belong to the family Sphingidae, while Hummingbird clearwing moths belong to the family Sesiidae. This difference in classification reflects their distinct evolutionary lineages.
Another difference lies in their physical characteristics. Hummingbird moths have a plump body, similar to that of a bumblebee, and their wings are usually brown or gray. On the other hand, Hummingbird clearwing moths have a more slender body, resembling a wasp, and their wings are transparent or clear, hence their name.
In terms of behavior, both species exhibit similar hovering and darting flight patterns, as well as a preference for nectar-rich flowers.
However, Hummingbird moths tend to be more active during the day, while Hummingbird clearwing moths are primarily active during dusk and dawn.
Understanding the differences between these two moth species can help us appreciate their unique characteristics and behaviors. Whether you encounter a Hummingbird moth or a Hummingbird clearwing moth in your garden, take a moment to observe and appreciate their fascinating adaptations and beauty.
What hummingbird moths live in Canada and the United States?
Hummingbird moths are fascinating creatures that can be found in both Canada and the United States.
Two common species of hummingbird moths in these regions are the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) and the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis).
The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth is a migratory species that can be found in various parts of Canada and the United States. It is known for its ability to hover in mid-air, just like a hummingbird, while feeding on nectar from flowers. This moth has a long proboscis that it uses to reach deep into flowers for nectar. It is often seen in gardens and meadows, especially during the summer months.
The Snowberry Clearwing, as its name suggests, has clear wings and a body that resembles a hummingbird. It is commonly found in woodland areas and gardens across Canada and the northern parts of the United States.
This species is attracted to flowers that produce a lot of nectar, such as bee balm and phlox. The Snowberry Clearwing is also known for its ability to hover and feed on the wing, just like a hummingbird.
In most parts of the United States and in southern areas of Canada, these moths will produce two broods: one from March-June and a second from August-October. The farther north they go results in only a single brood from April-August.
As fully-grown caterpillars, they burrow in the leaf litter to pupate in cocoons, emerging soon after or waiting until the following spring.
Both of these hummingbird moth species are important pollinators, as they transfer pollen from one flower to another while feeding. By attracting these moths to our gardens, we can help support their populations and contribute to the overall health of our ecosystems.
In the next section, we will explore the diet of clearwing moths and how it differs from that of hummingbird moths.
Hummingbird moths feed on colorful garden flowers. Notice the incredible length of the proboscis in the first image allowing the moths to get deep into the flowers.
What do Clearwing moths eat?
Clearwing moths have a unique diet that sets them apart from hummingbird moths. These moths primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, just like their hummingbird counterparts. However, they also have a preference for specific types of flowers that produce ample amounts of nectar. You can often find them feeding on flowers including Japanese honeysuckle, beebalm, red clover, lilac, phlox, snowberry, cranberry, blueberry, vetch, and thistles.
One of the favorite flowers of clearwing moths is the bee balm (Monarda), which is known for its vibrant colors and sweet nectar. The clearwing moths are attracted to the bright red, pink, or purple flowers of the bee balm and will hover around them, inserting their long proboscis to extract the nectar.
Another flower that clearwing moths are fond of is the phlox (Phlox paniculata), which produces clusters of fragrant flowers in various shades of pink, purple, and white.
In addition to these flowers, clearwing moths also feed on other nectar-rich plants such as honeysuckle (Lonicera), butterfly bush (Buddleja), and milkweed (Asclepias).
These plants provide the necessary nourishment for the moths to sustain their energy levels and continue their important role as pollinators.
By planting a diverse range of nectar-rich native flowers in our gardens, we can attract clearwing moths and provide them with the sustenance they need to thrive. This not only adds beauty to our outdoor spaces but also supports the overall health of our ecosystems by promoting pollination.
Where do clearwing moths go in winter?
During the winter months, clearwing moths undergo a fascinating transformation. Unlike other moths that hibernate in cozy cocoons, clearwing moths have a unique strategy to survive the cold temperatures.
These moths enter a state of diapause, which is similar to hibernation but with some distinct differences. Clearwing moths seek out protected areas to spend the winter, such as leaf litter, crevices in tree bark, or even underground burrows. They choose these locations because they provide insulation and protection from the harsh winter conditions.
Once settled in their chosen spot, clearwing moths enter a dormant state, slowing down their metabolism and conserving energy.
During diapause, clearwing moths do not feed or engage in any reproductive activities. Instead, they rely on their fat reserves to sustain them throughout the winter. This survival strategy allows them to conserve energy and survive until the warmer months when they can resume their normal activities.
In the spring, as temperatures rise and food sources become abundant, clearwing moths emerge from their winter hideouts. They begin their search for nectar-rich flowers to replenish their energy reserves and engage in mating behaviors to ensure the survival of their species.
Their search for early sources of nectar is a good reason to ensure your garden has a good source of early spring blooming plants.
Understanding where clearwing moths go in winter is crucial for creating a welcoming environment for these fascinating creatures in our gardens. By providing suitable overwintering habitats, such as leaf piles or undisturbed areas in our gardens, we can support their survival and enjoy their presence during spring, summer and into the fall months.
What do clearwing caterpillars eat?
Clearwing caterpillars have specific dietary preferences that contribute to their unique life cycle.
These caterpillars are known as "stem borers" because they tunnel into the stems of various plants. They feed on the inner tissues of the stems, which provides them with both nutrition and protection from predators.
One of the primary food sources for clearwing caterpillars is the sap of plants. They have specialized mouthparts that allow them to extract sap from the stems they inhabit. This sap contains essential nutrients that the caterpillars need for growth and development.
Clearwing caterpillars are also selective in their choice of host plants. Different species of clearwing moths have specific plant preferences, and their caterpillars will only feed on those particular plants.
For example, the raspberry clearwing moth caterpillar feeds exclusively on raspberry plants, while the dogwood clearwing moth caterpillar feeds on dogwood trees. By feeding on specific plants, clearwing caterpillars play an important role in pollination and plant reproduction.
As they tunnel through the stems, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the fertilization process.
Understanding what clearwing caterpillars eat is crucial for creating a suitable habitat for these fascinating insects. By planting their preferred host plants in our gardens, we can attract and support clearwing moths throughout their life cycle, contributing to the overall biodiversity and health of our ecosystems.
What do Clearwing moths look like?
Clearwing moths are fascinating insects with unique physical characteristics.
They are often mistaken for hummingbirds due to their similar appearance and behavior. These moths have a distinct body shape, resembling a small bird in flight.
They have long, slender bodies and narrow wings that beat rapidly, allowing them to hover in mid-air while feeding on nectar.
One of the most striking features of clearwing moths is their transparent wings. These wings are clear or lightly tinted, giving the moths their name. The transparent wings, combined with their rapid wingbeats, create the illusion of a hummingbird in flight.
Clearwing moths also have a furry body, similar to that of a bumblebee. This fur helps to insulate their bodies and provides camouflage when they are feeding on flowers.
The coloration of clearwing moths varies depending on the species, but they are often a combination of brown, black, and yellow.
Another distinguishing characteristic of clearwing moths is their long proboscis. This tubular mouthpart is used to extract nectar from flowers, just like a hummingbird’s beak. The proboscis is coiled when not in use and can extend to reach the nectar deep within the flower.
Overall, clearwing moths are remarkable creatures and their transparent wings, furry bodies, and long proboscis make them a captivating sight in gardens and natural habitats.
How do Clearwing moths feed?
When feeding, clearwing moths use their long proboscis to reach deep into the flower to access the nectar. The proboscis is a tubular mouthpart that is coiled when not in use and can extend to remarkable lengths. This allows the moths to access nectar from flowers with long corollas or narrow openings.
Clearwing moths are particularly attracted to flowers that are brightly colored and have a strong fragrance. They are especially fond of flowers that produce a lot of nectar, such as honeysuckle, phlox, and bee balm.
In addition to nectar, clearwing moths may also feed on tree sap or rotting fruit. They are known to visit sap wells created by woodpeckers or other insects, where they can obtain additional nutrients.
Author Profile: Vic MacBournie is a former journalist and author/owner of Ferns & Feathers. He writes about his woodland wildlife garden that he has created over the past 25 years and shares his photography with readers.