Some fairly large moths found in Colorado have the appearance and flight characteristics of hummingbirds. Similarly, they also feed at the same deep, nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds prefer. These "hummingbird moths" are most appropriately known as sphinx moths, members of the insect family Sphingidae. The immature forms of the sphinx moths are large caterpillars familiarly known as "hornworms." About two dozen kinds of hornworms can be found in Colorado, with the notorious tomato hornworm and tobacco hornworm on tomato plants being among the most recognizable. The great majority of hornworm caterpillars, however, feed on trees, shrubs and various "weedy" plants and do not cause any significant injury.
By far the most common "hummingbird moths" found visiting Colorado gardens are the white lined sphinx, which develops on plants such as portulaca, primrose and Virginia creeper. The giant ash sphinx moth and the twinspot sphinx moth are also found in Colorado. For more information on hummingbird moths visit: Hornworms and “Hummingbird” Moths #5.517
