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.
 |
| 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
23 thoughts on “Hummingbird Moth”
Wow! That is beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing this with us.
I was captivated for sure! You are welcome. Maybe you'll happen to find one now on your adventures too.
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
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!
I have never heard of one of those before. They truly are beautiful.
Wow, I can't believe that's a moth!
Elizabeth
I know! I could not either!
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
Thanks Sandy! From my understanding, there are a number of different Hummingbird moths in various areas of the country. Do let me know if you spot one.
I just saw one of these the other day while watering my Bee Balm! Very cool. New Hampshire
Awesome!
I see them coming to my butterfly bush occasionally.
Neat! My kids now are constantly looking for them now when we are outside. I am hoping that they will return for another "show".
How beautiful! I'd love to see one of these in my garden. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures.
You are welcome. Do let me know now that you too are on the lookout. Thanks for visiting today.
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..
Your are right, but not with this particular hummingbird moth. This one's scientific name is Hemaris thysbe. It feeds on Honeysuckle, snowberry, hawthorns, cherries and plums, and European cranberry bush. http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Hemaris-thysbe
The tomato horn worm is Manduca-quinquemaculata and it loves tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant. Definitely not one to have in the garden. I do love the tip you shared about the soapy water. Next time I do find them on my tomatoes I will definitely give that one a try.
http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Manduca-quinquemaculata
Thanks so much for your for your comment!
Excellent photos. They love the Moon Flowers here in Texas.
THanks. How neat! Love that they are all the way in Texas too.
How amazing! How I wish we had these here in Australia.
I wish we could trade 🙂 There are SO many wonderful animals and insects in Australia that I would LOVE to see.
Wow! Your pictures are just amazing!
We just seen these in Clay City I'LL. They were so cool to watch. Never seen these before. How awesome it is