A Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird Moth (Hemaris diffinis) nectars on Common Milkweed.
The little black mask on his face and the black gloves on his legs give him away as a Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird Moth (Hemaris diffinis). The other Hummingbird moth, a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe), has no mask and has lighter colored legs. Click here for a previous post on Hemaris thysbe.
While nectaring, hummingbird moths stabilize their hovering by placing their front legs on the blossom.
...such a furry little body! He looks more like a tiny flying mouse than a moth. I'm surprised he doesn't have the nickname Hummingbird Mouse...since "flying mouse" (Die Fledermaus, Bat) is already taken!
Hummingbird moths start with maroon-colored wings, but after their first flight, the scales start to drop off, creating the "clear wings" for which they are named.
This Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird Moth was nectaring at Shawnee State Park just outside the nature center in the butterfly garden.
...the yellow bands on the inside of his abdomen cause some to worry his is a very large bumble bee, but don't worry, the Snowberry Clearwing has no stinger. He just likes to drink nectar...
Beautiful, Kelly... I love seeing them --especially with their wings spread... Loves those clear wings!!!!!! He does look a little like a Hummingbird, doesn't he?
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Gorgeous shots, Kelly! Just beautiful! Fascinating creature!
ReplyDeletewow....these are just amazing, you can see right through his wings!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the blooms also!!!
So beautiful. You have complete mug shots from all angles. You must have a very gentle style behind the camera and as you most not to frighten your subjects away.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos!! I always learn something new on your blog!
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots, Kelly! The milkweed blossom is the perfect background. I always get excited when I see a clearwing moth in my flowers. They are so cool!!
ReplyDeleteKelly, I knew if there was anyone that could get a great shot of these wonderful creatures, it would be you! Great job. I love the detail. I'm unable to get a decent CLEAR photo of these guys.
ReplyDeleteSuperb macros Kelly.
ReplyDeleteWonderful job capturing the Clearwing!! I had the opportunity last summer, and it wasn't easy to capture them. You must have one heck of a camera!!! Loved your post. ~karen
ReplyDeleteWow! Kelly, your series of the Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird Moth (what a romantic name!) is absolutely magnificent! Thanks also for your explanations and info on the moth - very instructive. How do you find such fascinating subjects? You must have very observant eyes.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are splendid, Kelly...I need to try harder...I only have one good photo of a Hummingbird moth!
ReplyDelete'Years' ago, as I rounded the corner of my house, a hummingbird moth stopped in midair just inches from my face, at the time I didn't know what I was seeing. For some reason it looked like a flying miniature human/elf to me, left me wondering!
very interesting post I think I have seen one of these guys before I thought was a bee of some kind
ReplyDeleteKAT
Kelly, fantastic captures on this hovering moth! Very interesting patterns to it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots! THese guys are so hard to catch up with. I was chasing one around a flower garden today :-) They are so unusual, I never tire of seeing good photos of them....yours are great!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of this furry little guy. They're such an interesting little creature!
ReplyDeleteNeat. neat pictures. Such a pretty little masked man.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly clear shots of a very busy insect! What a mouthful for its name too!
ReplyDeleteI soooo love your work!
ReplyDeleteId like to invite everyone to read a blog post today of a woman who joined the old order Mennonite church from the outside. I'm extremely lucky in publishing her very first, and most likely last post on Amish Stories. A lot of work was involved in her getting permission to be even able to write anything on the internet, and permission was given by her bishop. So please stop by and read about a woman who gave-up her car and other worldly possessions for the person that she loved. Richard from Amish Stories.
ReplyDeleteOnce again great photos and a real education, way outside my normal sphere, and yet not far from my old stomping grounds. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Kelly. I have never seen this type of moth before and was totally stunned at how gorgeous he is and how you photographed him. So glad you did many different views so I could get a really good look. Thank you. Carol
ReplyDelete...thanks, everyone. Friday I saw another Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird Moth, but this time he was at Fernald Nature Preserve. He was really cute and had a very visible yellow/black abdomen. I saw him twice through the meadows there...
ReplyDeleteYour bird photos are always outstanding!
ReplyDeleteThe wings are just magical.
Suz
I have seen these creatures before but had no idea what they were. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and the info.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I was visited by one of these unique moths yesterday and posted it on my blog. You've got some great pics. I hope to see some more!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I saw one of these today, and your blog let me identify its variety! And your pictures are beautiful! it's hard to photograph them, they don't sit still!
ReplyDelete