The hawk moth has the longest proboscis of all known moths and butterflies. It uses it to take a drink while still on the wing. The European convolvulus hawk moth has a proboscis or 'tongue that is 9 cm (31/2in) long, twice as long as the moth's body. Its proboscis looks like a drinking straw and when not in use it lies coiled up under its head. Hawk moths feed on plants with long, tubular flowers such as honeysuckle. Once it has found a suitable food plant, the moth hovers in front of a flower, extending its proboscis to reach the sweet, energy rich nectar at the base.
When hovering over a flower, hawk moths move their wings at such speed that, like a hummingbird, they are seen as barely a blur.
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