What they do
They hover or perch at flowers to drink nectar and can transfer pollen as they move between blooms.

Family Sphingidae
They can move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, especially for blooms that open or scent up in the evening.
Category
Moths
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Sphingidae
Also Known As
Sphingidae, sphinx moth, hawk moth
Intro
At a glance
Food
Habitat
Seasonality
Where to look
Key takeaways
A quick summary you can scan in under 10 seconds.
They hover or perch at flowers to drink nectar and can transfer pollen as they move between blooms.
Nectar flowers across the whole growing season plus host plants for caterpillars and low-disturbance shelter.
Plant a mix of native, nectar-rich flowers (including evening-friendly blooms) and include at least one caterpillar host plant type.
Why it matters
Key Impacts
Identification
Stout, streamlined body with relatively narrow, pointed forewings.
Fast, direct flight; many look "built for speed."
Often hover at flowers rather than landing for long.
Long, tube-like tongue (proboscis) may be visible when feeding.


Range and habitat
Life cycle
Hawk moths have a complete life cycle: egg → caterpillar → pupa → adult. Adults need nectar, while caterpillars need specific host plants; both stages benefit from safe places to shelter from weather and disturbance.
Overwintered pupae (or other dormant stages, depending on species) complete development. Early adults may appear where early nectar is available. Eggs may be laid on suitable host plants as they leaf out.
Many adults are active, feeding at dusk/night and sometimes by day. Caterpillars feed and grow quickly on host plants. Some species may have more than one generation depending on region and conditions.
Late-blooming flowers can fuel adults before cooler weather. Caterpillars finish feeding and pupate in sheltered spots.
Many spend the cold season in a dormant stage (often as pupae), protected in leaf litter, soil, or other shelter.
Gardening guide
Provide the right food and habitat to help this pollinator thrive.
Early season
Mid-season
Late season
Leave some leaf litter and plant stems through the colder months to protect overwintering stages.
Keep a few "undisturbed corners" where soil isn’t frequently dug or compacted.
Plant in layers (groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, small trees) to create windbreaks and hiding spots.
Avoid heavy pruning during peak growing season when eggs or caterpillars may be present.
Accept some leaf chewing on host plants—caterpillars need to eat to become adults.
Habitat loss and fragmentation that removes host plants and breaks up flight corridors.
Pesticides, including systemic pesticides (chemicals that get inside the plant), which can contaminate nectar, pollen, or leaves.
Bloom gaps—especially landscapes with only spring flowers and little mid/late-season nectar.
Light pollution that disrupts nighttime navigation, feeding, and mating.
Climate stress (heat, drought, unusual weather) that shifts bloom timing and reduces plant quality.
Take action
Plant for a long bloom season: include early, mid, and late native flowers, with some fragrant or tubular blooms.
Add at least one host plant type (native vine, shrub, or perennial) and let it be a little "imperfect" for caterpillars.
Avoid pesticides, especially on flowering plants and host plants.
Reduce outdoor lighting at night: turn off unnecessary lights, use warm bulbs, and shield fixtures downward.
Student challenge
Do a "dusk watch" for 10 minutes near a flowering patch, note what flowers are visited, and share one observation with your class or family.
Examples
Examples from this subgroup. Status varies by region.
Hemaris thysbe
This day-flying hawk moth is a well-known example of how moths can pollinate in daylight as well as at dusk. Its hovering feeding style can move pollen between nectar-rich garden flowers.
Hyles lineata
This is a widely recognized sphinx moth that can be active at dusk and sometimes by day, visiting many flowers for nectar. It’s a useful example of a strong flyer that can connect separate flower patches.
Manduca quinquemaculata
The adult is a large hawk moth that visits flowers for nectar, while the caterpillar is a well-known “hornworm” on certain garden plants. It’s a good reminder that supporting moths includes balancing caterpillar needs with thoughtful gardening.
Definitions
What You Can Do
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.