noun
hawk moth; sphinx moth
Refers to any moth of the family Sphingidae, known for their rapid, hovering flight and long proboscis.
庭でスズメガがホバリングしながら花の蜜を吸っていた。
A hawk moth was hovering in the garden, sipping nectar from the flowers.
スズメガの幼虫は大きなイモムシで、尾に角がある。
The larva of the hawk moth is a large caterpillar with a horn on its tail.
The Japanese name スズメガ (雀蛾) literally means 'sparrow moth', likely from the moth's plump, sparrow-like body shape and rapid flight. The exact origin is uncertain.