Over the years hummingbird moths have frustrated me. They are amazing insects, about 1/2 the size of a real hummingbird — at least the ones in the northeast –the ruby-throated. I’ve seen these nectar drinkers before. If I am quick enough to grab a camera, I get one or two poor shots and the next instant they are gone.
Today was different and special. Jann and I were in a garden in New London this morning and there was one working the bee-balm. And it stayed for quite a few photos, although I quickly deleted most later.
Jann got bored and wandered to other flowers. When I caught up to her she said she was watching a second one, but lost it. I stayed at the spot a bit and the moth returned.
When the moth is away from a flower it curls its proboscis. But when it is within drinking distance it extends it into the flower. It seems this species must not be that good at pollinating flowers.
It is amazing how it can control its proboscis.
Such amazing little insects.
It was a joy to spend seven minutes with them in a sunny garden Sunday morning.
You can see the wings in these photos shot at 1/500 and 1/1000 sec. In real life the wings beat so fast that you can not see the pattern in them.