I went overboard with all these photos, but it was the first time I had ever seen a Clearwing Hummingbird Moth (I posted this for the first time on my old blog on August 15th, 2008). I was passing by a very large Butterfly bush which was in full bloom. It also had at least a dozen butterflies. I certainly didn't expect to also find the hummingbird moth.
These photos are not as sharp as I would like, but I am happy with them, and they will be a lovely reminder of the day I was first introduced to something new.
People have mistaken them for the actual hummingbird, and I can see why as they 'hover' and seem to have similar movements, at least to this non-expert of such things.
They have a wingspan of two inches, and the moth hovers while sipping nectar with its long proboscis.
I read that they are members of the family Sphingidae - the same family as tomato hornworms. Its larvae have curved tail "horns" and feed on honeysuckle. A slightly smaller relative closely resembles bumblebees."
I have seen them since, usually on very hot days.
The following is the Silver-spotted skipper, Epargyreus clarus (Cramer), characterized by a large white spot on the underside of each hind wing. It is one of our largest, most widespread and most recognizable skippers.
A Monarch and a Clearwing Hummingbird Moth.
What a wonderful find. Moths are often incredible aren't they? As are flutterbyes.
ReplyDeleteI agree Sue, they are incredible :) Thank you!
DeleteAmazing photos! I have never seen this kind of moth. I made your Asian Chicken soup for dinner tonight. I did not have the mushrooms or vinegar, and it still turned out really good!! I am making some more tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHi Ginny and thank you very much :) I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe. We will be making it again soon.
DeleteMoths are seriously underrated critters, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures, Denise!
Hello Veronica Lee :) They truly are and thank you.
DeleteBeautiful photography!!!! You could get paid for these (nature magazine). When I first saw these moths, I thought THEY WERE hummingbirds!
ReplyDeleteYou made my day Anni, thank you so much! I thought the same thing and it was a wow moment to discover it was this moth. I didn't get to id it until I got home a few hours later. It was fun finding out.
DeleteWhat a fascinating moth that is. I've never seen one like it except in pictures. All your photos are simply stunning.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ann, so kind :) It's been a while since I saw one but I need to look for another butterfly bush. I am hoping to plant one next growing season :)
DeleteBeautiful photos of the Hummingbird Moth and the butterflies. Take care, have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen, much appreciated and you take care and have a happy day also :)
DeleteHello Denise.
ReplyDeleteGood description of this rare insect.
Congratulations on the beautiful photos, especially those of the hummingbird moth, as they are very fast and difficult to photograph.
Good weekend.
Thank you Cuco, I appreciate very much. I wonder if you have them too? I have seen other kinds with different coloring and they are beautiful! Happy day and weekend ahead :)
DeleteTerrific close ups!
ReplyDeleteThank you William :) Much appreciated!
DeleteI have never seen a hummingbird of any kind except photos and videos. and did not know this clear wing existed. awesome photos and i would love to see one of any kind of them. love that last white cabbage guy
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra, thank you so much! I very rarely get to see a hummingbird and am overjoyed when I do :) It was a happy day when I saw this moth, and never knew they existed. We get lots of those little white cabbage butterflies in the summertime.
DeleteGreat photography, Denise. It feels like it will be a long time before I see something like that -- if I'm lucky to, in the first place!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeanie :) it was a happy happenstance to come across it, just by walking passed the bush and seeing a movement that I almost missed. It had been a stressful day and was just what I needed. By the time I finished my photos I had a big smile on my face. Nature is, as I have said before, very soothing to the soul :)
DeleteMoths can be out during the day too, I googled.
ReplyDeleteYou know, that never even crossed my mind. Thank you so much for that Christine, and now I know. Love learning this stuff!
DeletePiękne fotografie. Motyle są czarodziejskie uwielbiam na nie patrzeć i malować je. Miłego weekendu😊
ReplyDeleteZgadzam się, są bardzo magiczne :) Dziękuję i życzę cudownego dnia i weekendu :)
DeleteSimply stunning shots of hornworms and moths. Love their portraits
ReplyDeleteFabulous photographs you've shared here :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thanks Jan :) All the best to you also.
DeleteI've never seen that moth in person - it's quite impressive in the photos. If you have more favorite from the archives, feel free to share!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol, I appreciate that. I haven’t been getting out as much as I used to lately, so these old blog posts are keeping me entertained and it is good to know you don’t mind the repeats.
DeleteI think I have only seen one or two hummingbird moths. They are certainly different. I love your great photos.
ReplyDeleteHi Yogi, thank you! They sure are pretty little things and yes, very different.
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