Cool Insect

[LizStreithorst]

I'd never seen one of these until the other day.   It's a Clear Winged Hummingbird Moth.  Cool little insect.  As the name implies it looks like a cross between a bug and a hummingbird.

[BallAquatics]

Nice photo Liz!

Dennis

[PaulineMi]

That's a beautiful picture and a beautiful moth.

I have friends who are entomologists. One of them goes up to the bogs and swamps of the upper penninsula of Michigan for a week every year to locate and photograph moths.

[LizStreithorst]

There are better pics on the internet.  I took over a dozen just to get one clear one.  The little buggers don't stay still!  In real life they look like they have feathers on their bodies.  They are actually scales.  They have a huge long nose that allows them to feed deep within the flower.  I love how the middle part of their wings is so transparent that you can see the flower behind it.

[Mugwump]

Neato.....good pic, Liz..

[ilroost]

Nice, i don't think i have seen one before

[LizStreithorst]

They say that these moths have a great memory and come back to the same place at the same time every day.  It was all over my Phlox sometime between 2 and 4 pm the other day.  The time is now 2:08.  I will be watching for it.  I hope it hasn't been eaten by a predator.

I find that I have a favorite insect.  Imagine that!  I shall look up what these bugs depend on at various life stages and try to provide it.  I want more.

[JR]

Neat little guy. Wish I could take pics like that

[PaulineMi]

Did the moth return?

[Mugwump]

Did the moth return?

Did he/she bring the family and luggage?..

[LizStreithorst]

Didn't see him yesterday   Perhaps he'll make an appearance today.

[PaulineMi]

Interesting that in your picture and in Google Images these moths seem to be particularly attracted to shades of purple flowers.  Just an observation. Also they are part of the sphinx moth family some of which have been clocked flying at 30 mph. 

Ok Jon....that last sentence leaves an opening for a wise crack.   

[LizStreithorst]

I hadn't noticed that but you're right, Pauline.  This site has great info and pics that put mine to shame.  http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/hthysbe.htm

[Mugwump]

Interesting that in your picture and in Google Images these moths seem to be particularly attracted to shades of purple flowers.  Just an observation. Also they are part of the sphinx moth family some of which have been clocked flying at 30 mph. 

Ok Jon....that last sentence leaves an opening for a wise crack.   

absolutely no comment.. ....

[BillT]

Quote from: PaulineMi on Today at 06:48:28 AM

    Interesting that in your picture and in Google Images these moths seem to be particularly attracted to shades of purple flowers.  Just an observation. Also they are part of the sphinx moth family some of which have been clocked flying at 30 mph.

    Ok Jon....that last sentence leaves an opening for a wise crack.   


absolutely no comment.. ....

I got a comment:

Many pollinating insects are able to see light in the ultra-violet part of the spectrum.
Many flowers have colors that give off UV and purple (near to UV in the spectrum). There has been a lot of study of this with UV pictures of flowers.
The color patterns of flowers are often on targeting patterns, bullseyes or patterns radiating from the center (where the pollen and seed fertilizing bits are).

Some can also see polarized light. Some fish also have various non-human like light receptors.