The Flight of the Hummingbird clearwing
The hummingbird clearwing is a moth that is sometimes mistaken for a hummingbird, hence its name. These moths uncurl their long-coiled straw-like proboscis and hover in front of flowers sucking the nectar like a hummingbird. Also, like their namesake, they are adept at flight with rapidly beating wings. The transparent wings are bordered with dark brown. You can look for this moth during the daytime in meadows, fields, and other open areas. The body is about two-inches long. Garden phlox and beebalm are favorite nectar plants of the hummingbird clearwing. Their caterpillars eat the leaves of viburnum, cherry, plum, and honeysuckle.
Today's
photo is by John Acorn.
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