hawk moth

Thân thiện

A hawk moth hovers near a bright flower at dusk.

Definition

Noun: - A type of large moth belonging to the family Sphingidae, characterized by long, narrow forewings, a stout, streamlined body, and the ability to fly powerfully and hover while feeding on flower nectar.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The hummingbird hawk moth is remarkable for its ability to hover in mid-air like its namesake.
  • We watched a hawk moth visit the evening primrose flowers at dusk.

Advanced Usage

• "Hawk moth" as a subject of study: The term is used in entomology and ecology to discuss species behavior, pollination roles, or evolutionary traits.
  • The study focused on the migratory patterns of the death's-head hawk moth.

Variants and Related Words

• Sphinx moth (n): Another common name for the same family of insects (Sphingidae).
  • Sphinx moths are also known for their rapid, hummingbird-like flight.
• Hummingbird moth (n): A colloquial name for certain hawk moth species that closely mimic hummingbirds in appearance and feeding behavior.

Synonyms

• Sphingid: The formal, scientific term for a moth in the family Sphingidae.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of various moths with long narrow forewings capable of powerful flight and hovering over flowers to feed

Từ đồng nghĩa

• hawkmoth
• sphingid
• sphinx moth
• hummingbird moth