Jun 19 2007
A Hummingbird Imposter!
I haven’t had much time to stamp these last few days, but with this horrible heat, I’ve had to water the flowers on my deck a couple times each day. Today I was tending to some hanging Petunias when I heard this little buzzing sound and turned around to see what I initially thought was a hummingbird. It was zipping around from flower to flower like a hummingbird, but then I noticed its antennae. Very strange. So I got a little closer. And closer still. This little guy seemed totally oblivious to me. I ran inside to grab my camera, followed him around a bit taking some pictures, then I hit the internet to find out exactly what this thing was.
It’s a MOTH!! A Hummingbird Clearwing
. Like a hummingbird, it hovers briefly, sipping for only a few seconds before darting off to a new flower. With its green body “fur” and burgundy wing scales, it is sometimes mistaken for a small ruby throated hummingbird.
Adult Hummingbird Clearwings have a long, straw-like “tongue,” called the proboscis, which they keep curled under the head. They use it to suck nectar from the flower. The nectar is rich in sugar, which fuels the energy required for hovering. Hummingbirds also have a long tongue to lap up nectar.
This little guy was fun to watch. I hope I see him again! (And hopefully I’ll have some stamping for you tomorrow. 
) Thanks for stopping by!
I have seen one of these guys at my house, too!! They are COOL!! Your petunias are gorgeous
Wow, Michele! What wonderful pictures of a critter I’ve never seen before! I don’t think we have anything that interesting around here. LOVE your beautiful, sunny petunia photos. Thanks for these pics–what fun!
How cool is that. Thanks for the pic.
Very cool….your pics are fantastic!!!!
Oh what gorgeous pics! How cool!
I’m amazed at how you were able to capture him! They are one of my husband’s favorite, I think because they are so ellusive around here and he has only seen two in his 36 years of living–smile. And you got a photo of one…incredible. Thank you so much for sharing
What a great picture M!! I love seeing hummingbirds!! COOL!
We have seen many of these the last couple years. We live south of Cleveland, Ohio. There was even one buzzing around the light in our garage!!