It’s been on my mind to study the region’s insects. You know, identify them on sight and recognize certain traits. But they’re so many, so diverse, and so small. I finally met a moth that is so large, so unique, and so identifiable. It even goes by a big name; the Hummingbird Moth for the way it hovers and moves resembles the hummingbird. This is the White-lined sphinx moth found throughout the northwest. No one told me.

The White-Lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata) can reach over two inches. That’s twice as large as the average moth I see around here. Moths tend to be soft and delicate things. This guy has structure, dark Symmetrical forewings, and can pass for a jet fighter with those triangular wings. The wingspan extends to 3.5 inches on some of these. I haven’t seen such a large moth since Panama where they’re five times as large and ten times more frightening.

Mr. hummingbird moth is impressive and I’ll be on the lookout to impress others with my uncommon knowledge of northwest wildlife.