Hovering Sphinx Moth is a photograph by Kay Novy which was uploaded on September 12th, 2013.
Hovering Sphinx Moth
A Sphnix Moth, collecting nectar from my Zinnia flowers. They seem to love colorful... more
by Kay Novy
Title
Hovering Sphinx Moth
Artist
Kay Novy
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
A Sphnix Moth, collecting nectar from my Zinnia flowers. They seem to love colorful flowers.
.................................................................................................................................
Hummingbird moth" is the colloquial name for the Common Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe), one of the sphinx moth family. The reason for the nickname is obvious the first time you see one of these intriguing moths. Sphinx moths feed on the nectar of flowers in a manner similar to that of a hummingbird: hovering with the body stationary by the blossom, wings beating so fast as to be nearly invisible, flared "tail" and having a long probiscis protruding beaklike into the blossom. In flight, the wings create a soft buzzing, also like a hummingbird.
............................................................................................................................
The Common Clearwing is considerably smaller than our native Ruby-throated Hummingbird, only about 1-1/2 inch long versus 3 inch long. Its plump body tapers at either end to form a spindle shape. When the adult moth emerges from its crysalis, its wings are covered with reddish brown scales; but, after the initial flight, the scales fall off the central part, leaving transparent centers that give them their name "clearwing." The body color is variable, but they typically have an olive green back, with a wide, reddish brown band. Males usually have a tuft at the back end of the abdomen, which mimics the spread tail feathers of a hovering hummingbird.
..............................................................................................................................
It takes a certain amount of luck to see a Sphinx moth, but you can increase your chances by being aware of which flowers are producing nectar at any time. When the nectar is at its prime, it will attract many insects, including bees, butterflies, and - perhaps - a hummingbird moth.
..............................................................................................................................
The adult moths have the very unmothlike behavior of flying in full daylight, hovering at flower blossoms, and feeding on nectar. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from open meadows or forest edge to the most cultivated of gardens, and in Massachusetts are typically seen only between June and August.
Uploaded
September 12th, 2013
More from Kay Novy
Comments (39)
Randy Rosenberger
It is an honor and a privilege as an administrator of one of the top groups on FAA, our Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group, to promote and highlight your awesome artworks on our homepage in one of the prestigious positions, on our group Featuring HOMEPAGE! Your artworks show your love of what you do, and is refined to where we not only accept and promote your fine works, but welcome that opportunity. It is a pleasure to have you as a member of our family of friends and fine artists in the WFS group. Thanks for sharing! Liked Forever, Elvis
Debbie Portwood
Love this fantastic capture as well~~ From Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery Promotion thread. Great work! v.f
Barbara Chichester
I love these Sphinx Moths!!! v/f
Kay Novy replied:
Thanks Barbara....I saw Sphinx Moths, in your discussion page of your group.....Lol.....
Randy Rosenberger
While difficult to capture these little "flying saucers" and chasing them around for years, I have one or two and this one is awesome with perfect presentation, positioning of shot, and superlative lighting, Kay! Love it! fave and vote
Kay Novy replied:
Haha....I'm still trying for a real hummingbird...Thanks so very much, always appreciated! kay.
Wayne Stabnaw
Wow! What a capture! I just learned about this moth this year! I went chasing after one a couple of weeks ago and never captured it. v&f
Kay Novy replied:
Just keep at it, you'll get one! I'm still trying for a hummingbird!..thanks Wayne.