hawkmoth
Nocturnal hovering insect
A hawkmoth is a large, heavy-bodied moth with narrow wings and a long proboscis, often seen hovering at flowers like a hummingbird.
Many species fly at dusk or night.
The name reflects their swift, agile flight.
Also called sphinx moth or hummingbird moth, depending on the species.
Moth or butterfly young
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- chrysalisPupal casing for metamorphosis
- metamorphosisProfound biological restructuring
molt · instar · hornworm · cocoon · egg · emergence · adult · host plant
Floral sugar water
- flowersPlant reproductive structures
- hoveringSuspended without support
- proboscisElongated animal head appendage
- night-bloomingFlowering after sunset
moonflower · jasmine · tobacco plant · petunia · honeysuckle · orchid · pollinator · coevolution
Elongated animal head appendage
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- wingspanTip-to-tip extent
- thoraxCentral body cavity
- abdomenTorso's lower cavity
scales · exoskeleton · compound eyes · forewings · hindwings · spiracles · streamlined · tongue
Butterfly and moth order
- arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum
- invertebrateAnimal sans backbone
- entomologyStudy of insects
- insectSix-legged invertebrate
classification · family · genus · species · order
Relating to dusk
Suspended without support
- wingbeatsWing movement cycles
- speedRate of motion
- maneuverabilityEase of controlled movement
- aerodynamicsPhysics of air motion
rapid · agile · migration · long-distance · flapping · precision · aerial
Simple light-detecting organs
- startle displayAntipredator surprise tactic
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
- mottledHaving irregular color patches
- countershadingCamouflage via tonal gradient
caterpillar
Moth or butterfly young
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- chrysalisPupal casing for metamorphosis
metamorphosis · molt · instar · hornworm · cocoon · egg · emergence · adult · host plant · larval stage
nectar
Floral sugar water
- flowersPlant reproductive structures
- hoveringSuspended without support
- proboscisElongated animal head appendage
night-blooming · moonflower · jasmine · tobacco plant · petunia · honeysuckle · orchid · pollinator · coevolution · yucca
proboscis
Elongated animal head appendage
abdomen · scales · exoskeleton · compound eyes · forewings · hindwings · spiracles · streamlined · tongue · legs
Lepidoptera
Butterfly and moth order
- arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum
- invertebrateAnimal sans backbone
- entomologyStudy of insects
death's-head
Human skull as symbol
- tomato hornwormSphinx moth caterpillar stage
crepuscular
Relating to dusk
moonlight · darkness · nightfall · gloaming · dimness · evening · dawn
hovering
Suspended without support
- wingbeatsWing movement cycles
- speedRate of motion
- maneuverabilityEase of controlled movement
aerodynamics · rapid · agile · migration · long-distance · flapping · precision · aerial
eyespots
Simple light-detecting organs
- startle displayAntipredator surprise tactic
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
- mottledHaving irregular color patches
- hawk moths
- mothsbrocades, underwing, underwings
- silk mothssilkworm
- insectsant, ants, bee, bees, butterfly
- hoverfloat, levitate, drift, glide, hang
- camouflage insectsstick insect, leaf insect, walking stick, katydid, bark beetle