At a first glance, the hummingbird hawk-moth looks extremely bird-like. Although Europe does not have any wild hummingbird species, every year the seasonal appearance of hummingbird hawk-moths leads to false reports of hummingbird sightings.
The hummingbird hawk-moth hovers like a hummingbird and also produces an audible hum. It also shares the darting movement from flower to flower with the hummingbirds. It also has a long proboscis, ‘feathers’ and a ‘tail’. It even holds its legs against its body to make it appear as if it only has two. Even its eyes lock bird-like.
The bird-like appearance of the hummingbird hawk-moth is an excellent example of convergent evolution, in which unrelated species independently develop the same design or biological traits and, thereby, fill the same niche.
amanda prentice
22 Jul 2026Had one in my greenhouse today so beautiful and loud
admin
23 Jul 2026Hi Amanda
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. And, yes, hummingbird hawk-moths are fun to watch. Photographing them is difficut and needs patience. But is doable. Enjoy!