HUMMINGBIRD HAWK-MOTH

The Galio Sphinx or Hummingbird Hawk-Moth, that is technically Macroglossum Stellatarum is a rather peculiar insect.

We happened to see it at my in-laws’ house who always have very beautiful flowers.

This insect immediately caught our attention just because of the way it flies, and even before we found out what it was, our first thought was: it looks like a Hummingbird! 

Actually more than an insect, the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth is a diurnal moth.

It belongs to the Sphingidae family, so called because of the characteristic position the larvae take.

The scientific name: Macroglussum defines the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth by the spiritromba i.e. the organ that allows them to suck nectar, which resembles a kind of proboscis, in the photo my husband took you can see it well.

The definitions Stellatarum or Galio, on the other hand, come from the species of plants that are the main food of the larvae: Galium, Rubia and Stellaria three species belonging to the category Rubiaceae.

And you know what else belongs to the Rubiaceae family right?

Coffee!

The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth, however, prefers nectar 🙂 preferring bell flowers because with its spiritrombra it can suck where other insects cannot reach.

Another peculiarity of the Macroglossum is the end of the abdomen that looks like a real bird’s tail.

But the greatest similarity between the Galian Sphinx and the Hummingbird is hovering or the way of flying while remaining stationary in the air: fixed-point flight.

Charming, isn’t it?

What if I told you that our hummingbird moth is also nicknamed the Bird of Good Luck? 

This moth is considered the bearer of good news.

What news would you like to receive?