Hummingbird Moth

[MN Shutterbug]

I have a neighbor at the end of the block that is really into flowers so I decided to stake her yard out. This was definitely a new challenge, which is what I really needed. I was starting to get a little stagnant. I had a blast. These moths don't sit still for more than a second. They buzz from flower to flower. The majority of the time, as soon as the focus gets locked in, they're on to the next flower. Luckily, they're not really shy but the wind really added to the challenge.

What I really found interesting after looking at the photos, is their proboscis. You can see how it can go from straight to bent to curled. They're really quite interesting. I just wish they were a little more coloful.

And an American Lady butterfly.

[ThunderLund78]

WOW!

These are fascinating. They're such a neat creature but you can never get one to stay in one spot long enough to get a good look at it. These provide some great perspective. Thanks for posting!

[eyeguy 54]

nice job. I love sphinx moths. Had a few cooperate at the MN arboretum this summer. tough to get the right light and the right angle to see the color on them.

[itsashooter]

I just had one in my yard

[eyeguy 54]

here is a clear wing sphinx moth that I got a few shots of this summer at the MN Arboretum. my daughter caught a regular sphinx moth 10 years ago in the yard for her biology project and the beak rolled out to 4 inches long! it was pretty cool.

[Dbl]

Cool shots Mike!

[MN Shutterbug]

Here is one that really shows the curly proboscis. I've really grown fond of these guys. I'm sure they'll be gone by the end of the week, if not sooner.

[jentz]

Those are some nice stop action pics.Down Baja pensula way the sphinx moths are twice the size as Mn. They are out every evening on some type white trumpet flowers.I have some pics I may have to dig em out.As I say nice stop action and the colors are cool! From memory the proboscis on the mexican moth is like 8-10 inches long! DEEP trumpet flowers

[eyeguy 54]

another nice shot! saw one again yesturday but zipped away..

[MN Shutterbug]

Thanks for the comments. Here are the last 3 for the season. It's been a blast. This time I waited for them to land on specific flowers and they didn't cooperate as well as I'd hoped for, but at least I got some flower color in with them.

[BartmanMN]

I had one of these in my flower pots too. My wife and I have never seen one before.

[Rick G]

Been seeing them for quite a few years now, they really seem to like my petunia beds.

[Paul]

Me Likes.

[fishinchicks]

Awesome photos, Mike!