Hello - I live in Northern California, 9b near Napa Valley. I noticed this moth (I think) flying near me this morning. Can someone identify it? Thank you!
It's one of the Hyles spp, several similar species known variously as Hawkmoths, Sphinx moths or Hummingbird moths. Can't tell for certain from your photos because the differences in the wing patterns between some species are subtle,, but you can narrow it down by location. Most likely the common H. lineata. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Watch for their caterpillars on Fuchsia, 4 o'clocks, Oenothera and Gaura. They don't usually create big problems but, on Gaura especially, you can lose a lot of flowers. That seems to be their favorite part (wouldn't you just know!).
Thank you all for your help! When the moth flew by I thought it might be a hummingbird. Knowing now that's it's a type of hummingbird moth is very cool!
