FAQS: Life Sciences Unit
I see something that looks like a hummingbird in our backyard, but it isn't – what is it?
It’s probably a White-lined Sphinx Moth. Often called the Hummingbird Moth, it flies rapidly and hovers just like a hummingbird does. Like the tiny birds, they also drink the sugary nectar from flowers, but instead of lapping it up they use a straw-like “tongue” (called a proboscis) to suck it out. The nectar provides the energy the moth needs to flap its wings at such a high speed. They can sometimes be spotted during the day, but normally they are active and feeding around dusk and dawn.
For further information contact the Curator of Life Sciences
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