Hummingbird Moth (Page 2): Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Carol, and for the information about Wood Sage/Woodland Germander. It's no wonder the plants have such a wonderful...

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Cwilson341 wrote:

Donna, these are great shots. The detail is outstanding and the moth is so perfect flitting around such lovely blossoms. Outstanding work on these!

I believe Wood Sage and Woodland Germander are the same plant.

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Carol, and for the information about Wood Sage/Woodland Germander. It's no wonder the plants have such a wonderful scent!

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

DOOK wrote:

Absolute stunners, Donna--beautiful work.

Glad you enjoyed them, Earl. Thanks so much!

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Beautiful shots Donna...a new "bug" for me and one I don't think we get down here...

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Dixiegirl wrote:

They sure are, Mike! Not sure about the plant. The Mobile River delta is where I found these, and they make the entire area smell wonderful like spices. Does that sound like Germander to you?

Same plant that we have here, I think. "American Germander," or "Wood Sage" - Teucrium canadense. There is some in the yard here, and I see from the USDA map that it does occur in the Mobile River delta.

https://michiganflora.net/species.aspx?id=1605

Mike

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

SX2002 wrote:

Beautiful shots Donna...a new "bug" for me and one I don't think we get down here...

Thanks so much, Ron! It looked so much like a hummingbird, Ron, that I first thought that's what it was. Their wings even move in figure 8s like hummer wings...

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

How beautiful...the black background really makes them pop...esp. #1

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

The downloads and details are wonderful Donna. Beautiful blossom and Moth. Great set.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Blenheim Orange wrote:

Same plant that we have here, I think. "American Germander," or "Wood Sage" - Teucrium canadense. There is some in the yard here, and I see from the USDA map that it does occur in the Mobile River delta.

https://michiganflora.net/species.aspx?id=1605

Mike

That's it, Mike, and I wish I'd posted a picture of the plant when I first saw it so you could help me out. It took me forever to get an ID. lol These were in the marsh, but I wonder if they'll grow in a sandy soil backyard...

merrytexan Loc: georgia

Dixiegirl wrote:

What a buzzing beauty he was! Canon 70-200 and same settings for all: 1/4000sec, f3.50, iso800. Please click once on first (or double download) and download 2nd and 3rd. Anyone interested in the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth might like checking out this link.
http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Hemaris-thysbe

wow! these perfectly beautiful shots make my heart hum, donna! how did you do it?
hummingbird moths are never still. i am convinced you must be the hummingbird moth whisperer!
may i please have your autograph?

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

merrytexan wrote:

wow! these perfectly beautiful shots make my heart hum, donna! how did you do it?
hummingbird moths are never still. i am convinced you must be the hummingbird moth whisperer!
may i please have your autograph?

Not me, Merry. When I whispered to him, he buzzed off and never came back!

Thank you so much for your delightful comment, Merry. You never fail to make me happy!

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

rlaugh wrote:

How beautiful...the black background really makes them pop...esp. #1

I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Bob. Thank you so much, my friend!

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Sylvias wrote:

The downloads and details are wonderful Donna. Beautiful blossom and Moth. Great set.

He really was a little beauty, Sylvia, and I'm so glad you enjoyed him! Thanks so very much!

suci Loc: Texas

Wow: How long did you train that one to pose for you with it's resplendent wings held still just for you.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Dixiegirl wrote:

That's it, Mike, and I wish I'd posted a picture of the plant when I first saw it so you could help me out. It took me forever to get an ID. lol These were in the marsh, but I wonder if they'll grow in a sandy soil backyard...

They are growing like crazy in my sandy soil backyard!

I collected a handful of seeds a couple of years ago. I didn't really know much about the plant, but went ahead and sowed them in the Spring. I think every seed germinated, and now there is a big patch and hundreds of blossoms. It is spreading by rhizomes. It is very sandy where I started them. I have kept the area mulched and I water it when it gets really dry, but they are pretty easy to grow. I do think they would do better if they weren't in full sun.

Mike

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

suci wrote:

Wow: How long did you train that one to pose for you with it's resplendent wings held still just for you.

It looks like he was trained, doesn't it, Janos!

Actually these were just lucky shots. I was shooting flowers, and he buzzed into the frame. I certainly enjoyed my short time with him, and I'm so glad you enjoyed these pictures!