How to Welcome Bumble Bee Moths to Your Garden
Have you ever been in your garden and spotted what you thought was a tiny hummingbird, or maybe a super-fast bumble bee, hovering perfectly still in front of a flower? Take a closer look, because you might be witnessing one of nature's most delightful imposters: the Bumble Bee Moth!
This unique and exciting pollinator, also known as the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis), is a true marvel of the insect world.
A Clever Disguise for a Peaceful Life
Unlike most of its moth relatives who prefer the nightlife, the bumble bee moth is a daytime flyer. To navigate the garden safely during daylight hours, it employs a clever trick called mimicry. By dressing up as a buzzing bumble bee, it sends a clear "stay away" signal to potential predators like birds. This masterful disguise allows it to go about its important work of pollinating and sipping nectar in peace.
A Pollinator Powerhouse
Don't let its disguise fool you—this moth is a record-breaker in its own right. Within the entire order of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), the bumble bee moth is one of the strongest and fastest flyers.
It can beat its wings at an incredible 70 times per second, creating the humming sound that often gets it confused with hummingbirds.
This rapid wing movement allows it to zip through the garden at speeds up to 19 km/hr (nearly 12 mph)!
As it hovers weightlessly, it uncoils a remarkably long tongue, called a proboscis, to drink nectar deep from within the flower. In fact, its tongue can be twice the length of its entire body!
How to Welcome Bumble Bee Moths to Your Garden
These amazing moths aren't picky about their home. They thrive in a wide variety of habitats, from open meadows and stream sides to suburban gardens and city parks. With two generations (or "broods") hatching from March through August, you have a long season to spot them.
Want to attract these powerful pollinators? Here are two simple ways to make your garden a five-star resort for them:
1. Leave the Leaves! After the caterpillar stage, the moth pupates in the leaf litter on the ground. By leaving a layer of fallen leaves in your garden beds over the winter, you provide a safe and cozy place for the next generation to develop. It’s the easiest gardening task you’ll ever have!
2. Plant a Buffet! To support their full life cycle, be sure to include plants for both the caterpillars and the adult moths.
Caterpillar Host Plants:
Snowberry
Viburnum
Cherry
Hawthorn
Honeysuckle
Adult Moth Nectar Plants:
Honeysuckle
Snowberry
White Flowered Hawkweed
Lilac
Bee Balm
Native Violets
Blue Star Flower (Amsonia)
Bonus Tip: While they are primarily day-flyers, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of them at dusk. Planting fragrant, night-blooming flowers like Evening Primrose or Night-Blooming Jasmine can create a perfect spot for an evening watch party.
So, the next time you're outside, keep an eye out for this fascinating creature. The Bumble Bee Moth is more than just a clever imposter; it's a beneficial, powerful, and truly delightful pollinator to welcome into your green space.
Happy gardening!