Hummingbird Hawk Moth at work

--Don Marshall photo

The rapid wingbeat and similar size can confuse the hummingbird hawk moth with a hummingbird. While other moths land before collecting nectar, the hummingbird hawk moth hovers while gathering nectar through a long tube which remains curled beneath its head until needed, kind of like in-flight refueling of modern military aircraft. Look for them near sunset on flowers such as the pink petunias seen in this photo taken in Oakesdale.