Family overview
Stout, streamlined body with narrow pointed wings — some of the fastest insect flyers. Many hover at flowers like hummingbirds. Long proboscis, sometimes longer than the body.
Hornworm larvae are major tomato pests but are voracious eaters that are easy to spot.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial
Approx. species
1,450
Notable members
Tomato hornworm, tobacco hornworm, hummingbird clearwing, death's-head hawkmoth, white-lined sphinx