hummingbird moth
Sphinx moth mimic
A hummingbird moth is a moth that hovers at flowers while feeding, resembling a hummingbird in flight.
Several species share this behavior, most commonly the clearwing moths of North America and the hawk moths of Europe.
Their rapid wingbeats, hovering ability, and daytime activity make them frequently mistaken for actual hummingbirds: I thought it was a hummingbird until I saw the antennae.
Mysterious, unreadable person
- proboscisElongated animal head appendage
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- thoraxCentral body cavity
- lepidopteraButterfly and moth order
nectar · caterpillar · pupa · metamorphosis · wingspan · scales · flight · larvae
Floral sugar water
- proboscisElongated animal head appendage
- pollenFloral reproductive grains
- flowersPlant reproductive structures
- tubularHaving cylinder form
petunias · honeysuckle · phlox · bee balm · lantana · gardens · pollinator · hovering
Suspended without support
- dartingMoving suddenly, swiftly
- feedingGiving food to
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
- rapidMoving with haste
wingbeat · stationary · agile · swift · diurnal · crepuscular · twilight · dusk
Likeness between things
- convergent evolutionIndependent origin of similar features
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
phenotype · morphology · survival · predation · imitation · mistaken identity · birdlike · hover
sphinx
Mysterious, unreadable person
- proboscisElongated animal head appendage
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- thoraxCentral body cavity
lepidoptera · nectar · caterpillar · pupa · metamorphosis · wingspan · scales · flight · larvae · molt
nectar
Floral sugar water
- proboscisElongated animal head appendage
- pollenFloral reproductive grains
- flowersPlant reproductive structures
tubular · petunias · honeysuckle · phlox · bee balm · lantana · gardens · pollinator · hovering · feeding
hovering
Suspended without support
rapid · wingbeat · stationary · agile · swift · diurnal · crepuscular · twilight · dusk · dawn
resemblance
Likeness between things
- convergent evolutionIndependent origin of similar features
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
disguise · phenotype · morphology · survival · predation · imitation · mistaken identity · birdlike · hover · wings
hummingbird, moth, humming, bird, hum, hums, hummed, hummer, birds