September 3, 2024 – Yosemite National Park officials release video of a white-lined sphinx moth.

Is it a hummingbird? No, it’s a white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata)! These moths hover in front of flowers and drink nectar through their proboscis, a tube that extends from the front of their heads.

Sphinx moths look, move, and eat like hummingbirds, but they are not closely related. Hummingbirds and sphinx moths–creatures from two different branches on the tree of life–have evolved similar traits to fill similar ecological niches. This phenomenon of two unrelated species forming similar adaptations is called “convergent evolution.”

The nectar from tubular flowers such as lilies, columbines, and penstemons is typical of a sphinx moth’s diet. In the video above, a sphinx moth gathers nectar from a Sierra tiger lily.

Sphinx moths can be found through much of Yosemite dining on nectar. Since August wildflower blooms are mostly at the higher elevations, there’s a good chance you’ll see them there this month!

What other examples of convergent evolution can you think of?

Video description: A white-lined sphinx moth hovers in front of orange spotted flowers, bouncing from flower to flower, gathering nectar.

View video with sound here.

Source: NPS