Hummingbird Moths - page 2

 There are six pictures on this page.

Hummingbird Moth
Norwich, New York
Photos by David
August, 2001

The hummingbird moth comes several times a day
to the pink Bee Balm (Monarda)

which it is forced to share with bumblebees.

It is a strange creature, and at first we thought it was a hummingbird.
It buzzes and sounds like a muffled hummingbird.
And, like the hummingbird, can hover and fly backward.

~
The proboscis is kept curled when it is in flight,

Then it unfurls to get to the nectar at the bottom of the petals.

~
Notice that the wings have transparent sections where scales have fallen off.

These creatures were fascinating in August.

There are at least three different ones that were photographed, and we have lots more pictures,
if you are interested!
Actually, we have lots more if you are not interested, too.

Click to see the earlier hummingbird moth pictures.

Hummingbird Moths

Hummingbird Moths
Hemaris thysbe

have arrived.

They are one of the few moths that are out during the day.

They are often mistaken for a hummingbird.

They like the same plants.

They are out in the day.

They hover.

These flowers are monarda (bee balm).

It's a favorite of the hummingbirds and the hummingbird moths.

They are also partial to phlox, and I have seen them on petunias.