Are Hummingbird Moths in Ohio?

The Hummingbird Moth

• The hummingbird moth hovers in and out of flowers much like a hummingbird, and unlike many species of moth, are typically visible during the day. They have a long tongue called a proboscis that allows them to reach the nectar. They are attracted to a variety of flowers which, according to the Butterflies and Moths of North America website, include "Japanese honeysuckle, beebalm, red clover, lilac, phlox, snowberry, cranberry, blueberry, vetch, and thistles." Hummingbird moths are migratory creatures and can travel great distances. Their primary flight occurs from May to September.

Types of Hummingbird Moths

• There are technically only two hummingbird moths in the Sphingidae family. One is Hermaris thysbe, more commonly known as the hummingbird clearwing, because it does not have the typical lines that mark the wings of other moths. The other one is Macroglossum stellatarium, or hummingbird hawk moth.

Reproduction of the Hummingbird Moth

• After mating, the adult hummingbird moth lays its eggs on the underside of the leaves of a host plant. When the caterpillar hatches, it climbs down the plant and buries itself in the soil. It is here that it builds a cocoon and transforms into a moth.

Hummingbird Moths in Ohio

• Many hummingbird moths have been spotted in Ohio. The best time to see this type of moth is in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom. The website Butterflies and Moths includes a map of sightings in Ohio and other areas of the United States. If you have a garden in Ohio, the best place to spot one of these hummingbirdlike creatures may be right outside your own backdoor.