Hawk moth

Hawk moth, member of the Sphinx moth family. Hawk moths are distinguished by their large, powerful forms and their streamlined and hovering flight patterns. They suck nectar through a long proboscis, a feeding instrument which, in some species, extends as long as 13 in (32.5 cm). These moths are also known as hummingbird moths (because they can stop in front of flowers while sucking nectar) or as sphinx moths (because their resting position and profile resembles the Egyptian sphinx).