Hummingbird moths are members of the sphinx moth family. This enormously varied group gets its family name from the way the caterpillars can pull their front ends up into a sphinxlike pose when disturbed. While most sphinx moths visit flowers at night, hummingbird moths also called clearwings because of the transparent patches on their wings frequent gardens in full daylight. Hummingbird moth caterpillars feed mainly on honeysuckle, hawthorn, snowberry and viburnum, but different species have different tastes. The caterpillars transform into pupae, which are enclosed in well-hidden, dense brown cocoons under fallen leaves.
Some pupae spend winter there, transforming into flying adults the following spring.
When more than one brood is produced as happens in southern climates a second set of adults will emerge in late summer or fall. Since the moths appearance varies by location, differentiating between the species is sometimes a struggle. Taxonomists generally agree that North America has four hummingbird moth species, which cover most of the country. Each species wings have the characteristic transparent patches, and the males have a dramatic anal tuft. Gardeners don t have to plant special flowers to attract the adults, but the larvae do require specific shrubs for food.