Bob M Loc: Machesney Park, Illinois

I thought you might enjoy these photos.

Malky Loc: Originally UK, now Kansas City

Also known as clear-wing bumble-Bee mimic, I believe.

Robbie7 Loc: Northampton. England

Hi Bob, what a great subject these would make for practising our camera settings, I dont think we have anything like them here. very interesting little creature.

Here is a little more information :-)

Macroglossum stellatarum, known as the Hummingbird Hawk-moth or sometimes the Hummingmoth, is a species of Sphingidae. Its long proboscis and its hovering behaviour, accompanied by an audible humming noise, make it look remarkably like a hummingbird while feeding on flowers. It shouldn't be confused with the moths called hummingbird moths in North America, genus Hemaris, members of the same family and with similar appearance and behavior. The resemblance to hummingbirds is an example of convergent evolution. It flies during the day, especially in bright sunshine, but also at dusk, dawn, and even in the rain, which is unusual for even diurnal hawkmoths.Its visual abilities have been much studied, and it has been shown to have a relatively good ability to learn colours. tfp :thumbup:

macro2009 Loc: Cheshire United Kingdom

There is a good view of the long proboscis in download #2 zoomed. A remarkable series thanks for posting.

Malky Loc: Originally UK, now Kansas City

Hi Robbie, a little clarification to the information you provided. As you quoted there are two moths (1) the hummingbird hawk moth and (2) the hummingbird mimic AKA bumblebee mimic moth. The latter is a clearwing belonging to Hemaris and this is the moth in the OP's photograph.

:)

Bob M Loc: Machesney Park, Illinois

Thank you all for your info. I still hope that everyone enjoyed.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

I certainly did, thank you