Hawk moth \Hawk" moth`\ (m[o^]th`; 115). (Zool.)
   Any moth of the family Sphingid[ae], of which there are
   numerous genera and species. They are large, handsome moths
   with long narrow forewings capable of powerful flight and
   hovering over flowers to feed. They fly mostly at twilight
   and hover about flowers like a humming bird, sucking the
   honey by means of a long, slender proboscis. The larv[ae] are
   large, hairless caterpillars ornamented with green and other
   bright colors, and often with a caudal spine. See Sphinx,
   also Tobacco worm, and Tomato worm.

   Syn: hawk moth, sphingid, sphinx moth, hummingbird moth.
        [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5] Tobacco Hawk Moth
        (Macrosila Carolina), and its Larva, the Tobacco Worm.
        [1913 Webster]

   Note: The larv[ae] of several species of hawk moths feed on
         grapevines. The elm-tree hawk moth is Ceratomia
         Amyntor.
         [1913 Webster]