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Hawk Moth

What is hawk moth?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Family Sphingidae[1]
Common names sphinx moth; hummingbird moth; hawkmoth[1]
Feeding structure very long proboscis[1]
Flight trait hovering while feeding[2]
Larval name hornworms[1]

A hawk moth is a moth in the family Sphingidae, known for swift, hovering flight and a long proboscis for feeding on nectar.

Context

A hawk moth is a moth in the family Sphingidae, known for swift, hovering flight and a long proboscis used to feed on nectar [1]. They are also called sphinx moths, and some species are called hummingbird moths because they hover at flowers [2]. The caterpillars are called hornworms due to a hornlike extension on the rear end [1]. Many species pollinate flowers while feeding [2]. Some hawk moths are nocturnal or crepuscular, though a few are diurnal [3]. The hummingbird hawk-moth is one such species that resembles a hummingbird in flight [3].

Documented claims

  • Hawk moths are named for their hovering, swift flight patterns. [2]
  • Many species pollinate flowers while sucking nectar. [2]
  • Their caterpillars are often called hornworms because of a hornlike extension on the rear end. [1]
  • Some species are nocturnal or crepuscular, though a few are diurnal. [3]

Related

Atlas MothAtlas moth is another large, well-known moth species readers may want to compare.Cecropia MothCecropia moth is a large North American moth, useful for comparison.

Questions and answers

Are hawk moths in Canada?

The sources do not specify hawk moth distribution in Canada.

Is a hawk moth poisonous?

The sources do not mention toxicity in hawk moths.

Is a hawk moth a pest?

The sources do not describe hawk moths as pests.

What can a hawk moth do?

Hawk moths can hover while feeding and pollinate flowers using their long proboscis [2].

Sources

  1. The Hawk Moth — hea-www.harvard.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Sphinx Moths (Hawk Moths) — mdc.mo.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. HAWK MOTH Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature