What the heck is this?

[Jamfke]

I was over at my mother's earlier today getting ready to take some photos of a couple of old trucks out in the back 40, when I noticed some activity in one of her flower beds. Great, says I, I can get some quick pics of some butterflies! I quickly set my dial to Automatic Sport mode because I knew I wouldn't be able to adjust things manually with the little buggers, and headed over. There was one butterfly, and of course, it flitted away before I could get any decent shots, but in its place I found these critters.









I've never seen them before. They look like some sort of moth, but they fly like bees or hummingbirds. Anyone have a clue?

Oh yeah, these things were about two inches long, and about as big around as an average thumb.

[Jamfke]

Google is your friend!

I just discovered that this critter is indeed the clearwing hummingbird moth.

Interesting. I've never seen them before today, but I'm glad I did.

[WVCoalMiner]

So a moth and a Hummingbird uh............ at some point in time did the deed?????? LOL

[Desert Rose]

Yep, it's a hummingbird moth. You should see the catapillars. Check it out on Google. They are lime green, about 4 inches long and as fat as a cigar! I usually get at least one every summer feasting in my desert willow tree.

[Angelb]

Hey, cool shots to look at, plus I learnt something I didn't know. Thanks for capturing this to show us.

[kurtwall]

Originally Posted by Jamfke

I was over at my mother's earlier today getting ready to take some photos of a couple of old trucks out in the back 40, when I noticed some activity in one of her flower beds. Great, says I, I can get some quick pics of some butterflies! I quickly set my dial to Automatic Sport mode because I knew I wouldn't be able to adjust things manually with the little buggers, and headed over. There was one butterfly, and of course, it flitted away before I could get any decent shots, but in its place I found these critters.

Hummingbird moths.

[ajbphotography]

I have never seen anything like that!! very cool. Thanks for sharing!

[jakethepig]

It's always nice to find something new and catch it on camera. I thinks we have all learned something new thanks to your lovely captures. Thanks for sharing your photos of the Hummingbird Moth.

Dave.

[alphasco]

Heck, I was going to guess furry flying crawfish! And I think I would have checked to see what they were before getting that close. Those critters look like they could tear your face off! :-)

Great shots of the flowers and the flying thingy!!

[leonaashlee]

Imagine. I think I've heard of them, but don't even know if they are around here...cool looking for sure. Good shots.