Hummingbird Moth
by Barbara McMahon
Title
Hummingbird Moth
Artist
Barbara McMahon
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Hummingbird Moth, unlike most moths, is seen on clear, sunny days. Many people do confuse it with hummingbirds because of its coloration and how it moves.
Hummingbird Moths grow up to two inches long. They have an olive-green body with red bands across their abdomen. Tufts of hairs from the end of the abdomen look a lot like feathers. The wings of this moth are mostly clear, sometimes with some red near the body.
Hummingbird Moths live in fields, gardens, and forest edges.
After mating, female moths lay eggs on host plants (food for caterpillars), such as honeysuckle, hawthorns, viburnum, and Black Cherry. The caterpillars which hatch from eggs are yellowish-green with darker green lines and reddish spots on the sides. They also have a yellow tail horn.
When caterpillars are fully grown, they climb down the host plant and into the soil where they make a cocoon and become a pupa (resting stage).
If it is early in the season, the adult moths will hatch in a few weeks. If it is in the Fall, the moths won't come out until the following Spring.
Adult Hummingbird Moths feed on nectar from many different flowers, just like hummingbirds. Some of their favorites include: Japanese Honeysuckle, Red Clover, Highbush Blueberry, thistles, wild roses, and blackberries.
Hummingbird Moths use a long, thin, needle-like mouthpart called a proboscis to eat. The proboscis stays coiled up like a garden hose until it is time to use it. When the moth approaches a flower, it uncoils its proboscis and dips it deep into the flower where the nectar is.
Predators of Hummingbird Moths include birds, mantids, spiders, bats, and other moth- and caterpillar-eaters, although they probably get some protection from looking so much like hummingbirds.
Uploaded
August 18th, 2014
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Comments (10)
Luther Fine Art
Congratulations! Your fantastic art has been featured on the Home Page of the ABC GROUP from the F IS FOR FLIGHT , themed week, February 8, 2021- FEBRUARY 15. 2021! You are invited to add your wonderful art in the Features Archive Discussion in the ABC GROUP.
Barbara McMahon replied:
Thank you Luther Fine Art for the feature in the ABC GROUP! Much appreciated.
Jeff at JSJ Photography
I love Hummingbird Moths--great shot Barbara! l/f/f, ~Jeff at JSJ Photography
Barbara McMahon
Thank you Dave Files for featuring "Hummingbird Moth" in the Nature and Landscape Photography group! Very much appreciated. Barbara
Barbara McMahon
Thank you Joe Bledsoe for featuring "Hummingbird Moth" in the Wings Group! Very much appreciated.
Barbara McMahon
Thank you Luther Fine Art for featuring "Hummingbird Moth" in the 3 A Day Greeting Card group!
Bruce Carpenter
A beautiful capture! Been watching these wonderful creatures in my garden all summer and have taken a few shots of them myself. f/v
Barbara McMahon replied:
Thank you Bruce for your great comment! I was mesmerized by this incredible moth!