When we think of magical creatures in nature, our minds often drift into the realm of fairy tales. Yet hidden within my garden and the surrounding woodlands is an insect that reminds me of fairies: the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth.

The lilacs my mom gave me about 20 years ago are one of the highlights of my little spot in the woods. 

When the lilacs bloom in June, the hummingbird moths, which are part of the sphinx moth family, make their appearance.

Unlike many of their moth cousins, clearwing moths have transparent sections in their wings, giving them a distinctive glass-like appearance.

They are enchanting as hover, sipping nectar with their long proboscis.

They appear most fairy like as they flit from flower to flower, proboscis curled for travel.

Once the lilacs have faded, I’ll occasionally see a hummingbird moth among other flowers, but the lilacs are their main attraction. I cherish this brief period of bloom and marvel at this enchanting presence — a reminder that the magic of nature lies all around us.

Past Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Photos