WEIRD NATURE: The Hummingbird Moth

Like Hummingbirds, The Hummingbird Moth feeds on the nectar of flowers, as it hovers stationary over the flower; its wings beating so fast they are practically invisible.  The flared tail and long proboscis as well as the soft buzzing sound it makes while in flight can momentarily fool even the most experienced enthusiast.

A hummingbird moth starts out as a plump, yellowish green caterpillar, with darker green lines along the back, reddish brown spots on the abdomen, and a yellow tail horn. It feeds on the leaves of plants until the time comes for it to spin a cocoon around itself in leaf litter on the ground, and pupate over the winter.

Unlike the typical moth, the adult prefers flying in full daylight.  They can be found in meadows, forests and gardens. It takes a certain amount of luck to see a hummingbird moth, but when the nectar of its preferred flowers is at its prime,you just may stumble across one.

Please enjoy this video:

Categories: WEIRD NATURE