The White-lined Sphinx Moth, "Hummer Moth", is amazing to watch! It actually hovers over flowers extending its long proboscis. At first glance, you may mistake it for a hummingbird.
I have never noticed them before moving to Idyllwild but I guess I wasn't observant in our previous home. They live across the country so check out your own garden. You may have them, too!
During the Spring migration of the Swainson's Hawks through Borrego Springs, these caterpillars cover the land. Many of them end up as lunch for the hungry hawks but not all of them.
A few days ago, one of these moths found its way inside our porch. Unfortunately, most insects never make it back outside. That wasn't going to happen to this cool moth!
When I tried to place it on its favorite nectar plant in our yard, the Manzanita, it was reluctant to leave my hand.
Living in the San Bernardino Mts where the Lemon Lily, Lilium parry, was once abundant, I was shocked to read that the White-lined Sphinx Moth is a key pollinator of this rare plant.
Cheers to the "Hummer Moth"!
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
Thornton Wilder
Click on photos to enlarge.
Photos and content by Robin Roberts
