Hummingbird Moth

After the sunset, in the low light, hummingbirds are taking their last nectar sips of the day and a hummingbird lookalike is just getting started. Their hummingbird like silhouette hovering on flowers can fool you easily at dusk. These are the hummingbird moths. The species that is commonly seen in southwestern states is the White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata).

It is also sometimes called hawk moth, a name I'm not a big fan of. This colorful, nectar drinking moth, flying alongside hummingbirds and bumblebees, has no resemblance to a hawk. The tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds are also desirable to this pretty moth and so are other native flowers in the garden.

Although mostly nocturnal, a few of them hang around during the morning hours and that is when their beautiful wing pattern and colors can be fully appreciated.