![]() ![]() As you will note on the About page, Butterflies and Moths of North America is a work in progress, and the distribution maps it provides show only scientifically verified occurrences of each species. The tomato hornworm ( Five-spotted hawkmoth Manduca quinquemaculata), for example, feeds on potato, tomato and tobacco plants, and can cause severe economic loss in these crops. Unfortunately, the larval stage of some species can be very destructive to agricultural crops and ornamental plantings. ![]() Although the horn looks like it may be dangerous, it is in fact harmless. Yet another common name for the group is "hornworms." The name comes from a hook or hornlike appendage protruding upward near the posterior end of the caterpillar (larval stage) of most species. These are commonly referred to as "clearwing hummingbird moths." (Note however that the scientifically accepted common name of "Hummingbird clearwing" refers specifically to Hemaris thysbe.) Some species lack scales on large portions of their wings, and therefore have transparent or clear wings. The proboscis rolls up like a party noisemaker when not in use, and may not be readily evident in a resting moth. Most, but not all, sphingids feed much like hummingbirds, hovering in front of a flower and sipping nectar through the extended proboscis. Although a few are active in the daytime, most species in the group are active at dusk. Most are medium to large moths, with heavy bodies wingspread reaches 5 inches or more in some species. The Sphingidae are strong fliers, with a rapid wingbeat. The most commonly seen "hummingbird moths" of the Sphingidae family are the Nessus sphinx ( Amphion floridensis), Snowberry clearwing ( Hemaris diffinis), Hummingbird Clearwing ( Hemaris thysbe), and White-lined Sphinx ( Hyles lineata). Or, look at your region's checklist to see a list of Sphingidae in your area. Look under the Family Sphingidae or browse images on our web site for common examples in North America. ![]() What you have seen is one of a number of moth species commonly called "hummingbird," "sphinx," or "hawk" moths. ![]()
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