White-lined Sphinx Hummingbird Moth

[Hwood]

At least from what I have found out that is what they are called. Sure have a long tounge - proboscis, for getting into those flowers. I do not think I have seen one of them before. Now I have seen 2. They get around rather fast for a moth.

[captainshane]

I have seen those things around our flowers also and wondered what there were. Now I know. They must be able to see in very low light because they are hanging around the flowers and its almost dark out!

PS. Cool pics too!

[micpic]

Great capture Hwood! Those are'nt easy to get in flight.

Mike

[PurpleFloyd]

Those are some great pictures. What you are looking at is a Moth called a Hawk Moth but they are also referred to as Hummingbird Hawk Moths and possibly other names too and the Sphinx is more than likely one of them that I am not familiar with. Probably some of the most entertaining moths to watch for sure.

[Friar_Tuck]

this is what their caterpillar looks like, took it just a few days ago when i stumbled on it.

[jentz]

Hawk and Hummingbird are nick names it is a Sphinx

[finnbay]

Great shots! Especially the first one. And, I agree - very difficult to get in flight!

[PurpleFloyd]

this is what their caterpillar looks like, took it just a few days ago when i stumbled on it.

Excellent picture

[Canon Guy]

Bravo!

[Hwood]

Thanks folks. The caterpillar is cool. It is for sure the most entertaining moth I have seen. Awhole lot of purpose to thier flight. No bouncing off lights and windows with these guys. Not sure how far north they live, but I would not have expected to find them up here.

[mojo54]

Kudos to you. Those are great shots.

I've seen one a couple times in the recent past, but both times it was after the sun had set. After all, it is a moth and moths do seem more active after dark.

[eyeguy 54]

For sure it's a white lined sphinx moth. I got a pic about 5 years ago that didn't turn out to good. My daghter caught one a few years ago for a class in college. The tounge rolled out to 9 inches long!!

P.S. Dandy Pics!!!