Hover and Sip - White-lined Sphinx Moth
by Nikolyn McDonald
Title
Hover and Sip - White-lined Sphinx Moth
Artist
Nikolyn McDonald
Medium
Photograph
Description
The white-lined sphinx moth, Hyles lineata, belongs to a family (Sphingidae) often called "hummingbird moths". A very large insect - its wingspan averages about two to three inches - it gets its nickname not only from its size, but its feeding habits. Several sources I found indicate that they can beat their wings up to 70 times per second, faster than a hummingbird (50 times per second).
Sphingid moths can be found throughout North America though they cannot survive harsh winters and move south in the colder seasons. They beat their wings very fast and, as you see here, are able to hover in mid-air. They are mostly nocturnal, but can occasionally be seen out feeding during the day.
Uploaded
October 1st, 2021
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