HUMMINGBIRD MOTH

This is hubby’s photo of a hummingbird moth taken at Walney a couple of days ago. I have been looking for them but we always arrived at the wrong time. This day he lucked out by spotting it just as we were leaving. Another extraordinary insect and you can have a proper look at this link. I have also found other posts of our own photos here and here and lastly here. You will have to scroll down a bit for the last one. It’s a real pretty one on the last post called a White-lined Sphynx Moth. 

Unlike most moths, they fly during the day (diurnal). They hover in place over flowers and use a long, straw-like mouth called a proboscis to drink nectar. They have thick, fuzzy bodies, clear wings with dark borders, and fan-like tails. 

When I saw one for the first time, I actually thought it was a hummingbird. Real hummingbirds, however, are much larger with feathers, while hummingbird moths have visible antennae and clear wing patches. 

From a distance it can be confusing. The first time I saw the difference, I was very, very surprised. I had never seen a Hummingbird Moth before.

Thanks for looking and 

I hope your day is a great one.