Hummingbird Moths
The beautiful hummingbird moth, pictured above, is one of the most delightful insect visitors you will find in your garden. They fly and move just like hummingbirds by suspending themselves in the air in front of a flower and sipping on the nectar. Hummingbird moths have a rapid wingbeat up to 70 beats per second, enabling them to fly up to 12 mph. This rapid wing movement creates a buzzing or humming sound just like a hummingbird!
We have noticed these lovely insects fluttering around the Snow Hill Perennial Sage and Catmint at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. Consider planting phlox, beebalm, honeysuckle or verbena in your garden to attract these amazing pollinators!
For more information on the benefits of hummingbird moths please visit:
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/hummingbird_moth.shtml