This summer has been wonderful for sightings of a type of moth that I find very cute and appealing.
There are several species that flit from flower to flower during the day and I have been lucky enough to find four of them.
These are fast moving, small insects who usually mimic either hummingbirds, bees, or wasps. It has been quite a challenge to catch them in flight or as they hover and sip nectar.
Nessus Sphinx Moth
Squash Vine Borer Moth
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Snowberry Clearwing attacking Hummingbird Clearwing
I noticed that Snowberry moths will chase each other in territorial clashes but are much more aggressive with Hummingbird moths, often making physical contact.
Next time you think you've seen a hummingbird or a bee at a flower, take a closer look!
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Good post and wonderful pictures. We have hummingbird moths here in the UK, but sadly I've never seen any. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Flighty. Oh, I hope you will get to see one someday soon. I noticed that all of these (plus lots of butterflies) were attracted to a flower called Butterfly-bush (Buddleja davidii). If it is available to you, maybe you could plant some (or maybe you have already).
DeleteBuddleja is a common plant here, and a nearby plot has one. As you say they certainly attract butterflies. xx
DeleteMany moths are prettier than some butterflies, these are especially nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you messymimi. I actually wrote a poem recently about moths (I think they are under-appreciated).
DeleteMOTHS
The languid flight
in summer night
of a graceful moth.
Its patterned wings –
exquisite things -
soft like velvet cloth.
No need for flash
or dazzling hue -
subtle panache
bewitches too.
Had I seen these specimens I would never have thought they were moths. Poor moths... they are underappreciated. I love your poem Doris!
ReplyDeleteThanks Didee!
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