Hummingbird Moth

July 18, 2012

Yesterday, I peered out into the gardens through the kitchen window.  I watched as an assortment of butterflies flit from flower to flower and bush to bush dancing on the light breeze.  I saw a female hummingbird sip nectar from the flowers on the deck.  A daily visitor, she has also been enjoying the red bee balm that is blooming outside the dining room window.  As I looked across the garden, I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be two baby hummingbirds buzzing around the magnificent butterfly bush.  I had to go outside and get a closer peek.

Soon enough, I caught a glimpse through the zoom lense of my camera. Unafraid of me, eventually I was able to stand about two feet from the magnificent creature, only to realize that it wasn’t a hummingbird at all.  It had two thick black antennae coming from its head.  I snapped a bunch of photos hoping to get a good one to help us identify this mystery visitor.  This was some sort of insect.  With a quick phone call to Mr. Tilly’s Nest, he immediately told me that it must be a Humming Bird Moth.  He was right.  It sure was and this was the first time I had seen one in my life!  Here is the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth that visited Tilly’s Nest today.

hummingbird moth
The curled proboscis ready to sip on nectar

 

Wings flutter so quickly they are almost invisible.

 

Love this one with the wasp zooming by at the top!

 

Heading over to another blossom

I also found this fabulous YouTube Video of one in action.  I hope you enjoy it and I hope you too will be on the lookout in your own gardens for these amazing moths!

Photo Credit:  Tilly’s Nest

Melissa

Author/Blogger/Freelancer-Sharing adventures with backyard chickens, beekeeping, gardening, crafting, cooking and more.

RELATED POSTS

WRITE A COMMENT

23 thoughts on “Hummingbird Moth”

  1. Wonderful!! We had these late at night, around our petunias and tuberoses…we thought they were hummingbirds the first night, too, but thought it was odd that they were out so late! Quickly realized they were moths…love them!
    SO wish we could have chickens where we live…my Grandma had Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, and I had my little Chinese Silkies in with hers…I have Chicken Envy, that's for sure!
    Now following you!
    Best,
    Anne

    Reply
    • Welcome Anne! I love that you had them around your flowers too. I wish you could have chickens too where you live. Anytime you need a fix pop on in! We love that you are here!

      Reply
  2. I have never even heard of such a thing!
    I get many hummingbirds that love my
    Firespike but I will be looking for this
    Moth, you can be sure.
    Great Photos of it!
    Sandy

    Reply
  3. A hummingbird month actually come from the horned tomato worm that attack tomatoes. They are cute on my butterfly bush but NOT nearly so on my tomatoes. They don't like soapy water sprayed on them or eat tomato leaves that are sprayed with dawn..

    Reply

Leave a Comment

About me

Sharing an inspired life from the New England seaside. Chickens, Bees, Gardens, Art and Yummy Goodness.