This is a moth known as the Hummingbird Clearwing. The name clearwing comes from these transparent areas of the wing.
A lot of people are confused by this species because of its habit of flying during the day and hovering at flowers to drink nectar. This is the source of stories about dwarf hummingbirds.
Hummingbird Clearwings are seldom still and are best observed by staking out a likely clump of flowers and waiting for the moths to come over. They stop briefly at each flower and tether themselves with their front legs while drinking.
I’ve never seen one of these moths stop and rest. The wings are in constant motion.
The long haired body is a beautiful mixture of olive, brown, crimson and black. This is a common moth that could be seen anywhere in Ohio. It should be flying for several more weeks, so watch for it in your area.
This is a moth known as the Hummingbird Clearwing. The name clearwing comes from these transparent areas of the wing. 
A lot of people are confused by this species because of its habit of flying during the day and hovering at flowers to drink nectar. This is the source of stories about dwarf hummingbirds.
Hummingbird Clearwings are seldom still and are best observed by staking out a likely clump of flowers and waiting for the moths to come over. They stop briefly at each flower and tether themselves with their front legs while drinking.
I’ve never seen one of these moths stop and rest. The wings are in constant motion.
The long haired body is a beautiful mixture of olive, brown, crimson and black. This is a common moth that could be seen anywhere in Ohio. It should be flying for several more weeks, so watch for it in your area.
I just saw and photographed one of these fantastic moths this afternoon! And I also read a post about the same moth over at Red and the Peanut. They really are beautiful. Mine was nectaring on Bee Balm just as yours was.
ReplyDeleteHeather, These are wonderful moths and I expect to see many people post their pictures. I'm glad you've got a local population to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures!!! I had a blast chasing these guys around in Hocking Hills. I also saw the smaller moth, the Snowberry Clearwing. Yesterday I saw one at the local nursery nectaring on Bee Balm. I bought 4 plants for my garden! :-)
ReplyDeleteKelly, I enjoyed your post on these moths. I've never seen the Snowberry Clearwing. It looks like another neat one to watch for.
ReplyDelete