Thursday, January 19, 2023

CLEARWING HUMMINGBIRD MOTH PLUS

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 skipperEpargyreus 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.
You can find more information if you click on its name above.
You can find more info if you click on its name above. 





31 comments:

  1. What a wonderful find. Moths are often incredible aren't they? As are flutterbyes.

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    1. I agree Sue, they are incredible :) Thank you!

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  2. Amazing 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.

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    1. Hi Ginny and thank you very much :) I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe. We will be making it again soon.

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  3. Moths are seriously underrated critters, aren't they?

    Beautiful captures, Denise!

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    1. Hello Veronica Lee :) They truly are and thank you.

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  4. Beautiful photography!!!! You could get paid for these (nature magazine). When I first saw these moths, I thought THEY WERE hummingbirds!

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    1. You 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.

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  5. What a fascinating moth that is. I've never seen one like it except in pictures. All your photos are simply stunning.

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    1. Thank 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 :)

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  6. Beautiful photos of the Hummingbird Moth and the butterflies. Take care, have a happy day!

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    1. Thank you Eileen, much appreciated and you take care and have a happy day also :)

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  7. Hello Denise.
    Good 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.

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    1. 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 :)

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  8. I 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

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    1. Hi 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.

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  9. Great 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!

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    1. Thank 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 :)

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  10. Moths can be out during the day too, I googled.

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    1. You know, that never even crossed my mind. Thank you so much for that Christine, and now I know. Love learning this stuff!

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  11. Piękne fotografie. Motyle są czarodziejskie uwielbiam na nie patrzeć i malować je. Miłego weekendu😊

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    1. Zgadzam się, są bardzo magiczne :) Dziękuję i życzę cudownego dnia i weekendu :)

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  12. Simply stunning shots of hornworms and moths. Love their portraits

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  13. Fabulous photographs you've shared here :)

    All the best Jan

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  14. I'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!

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    1. Thank 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.

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  15. I think I have only seen one or two hummingbird moths. They are certainly different. I love your great photos.

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    1. Hi Yogi, thank you! They sure are pretty little things and yes, very different.

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