About Hummingbird Hawk-Moth
A day-flying moth that hovers at flowers and produces an audible hum, almost perfectly mimicking a hummingbird. Has exceptional visual memory for flower locations.
Did You Know?
This moth can remember the locations of hundreds of individual flowers and times its visits to when nectar is replenished — a memory feat unmatched by most insects.
How to Identify Hummingbird Hawk-Moth
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Adults typically measure 40-50 mm wingspan.
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth Habitat
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia, Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth Diet and Feeding
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Hummingbird Hawk-Moth Found?
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth can be found in Europe, Asia, Africa, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Hummingbird Hawk-Moth can be found
Is Hummingbird Hawk-Moth Dangerous?
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth Role in Nature
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Hummingbird Hawk-Moth
What does Hummingbird Hawk-Moth look like?
The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth typically measures 40-50 mm wingspan.
Where is Hummingbird Hawk-Moth found?
The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Hummingbird Hawk-Moth eat?
The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Hummingbird Hawk-Moth dangerous to humans?
The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Hummingbird Hawk-Moth?
This moth can remember the locations of hundreds of individual flowers and times its visits to when nectar is replenished — a memory feat unmatched by most insects.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/hummingbird-hawk-moth
MLA:
"Hummingbird Hawk-Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/hummingbird-hawk-moth.