Earlier this week I caught a glimpse of my favorite moth, the spectacular Hummingbird Clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe). Normally these little beauties hover at high speeds as they collect nectar, but this one kept perching on leafy plants, permitting me to capture its wings at rest. I wonder if the moth was laying eggs.
I am always fascinated by the names of species and found this interesting bit of information about this moth’s Latin name on the bugguide.net website. “Pyramus and Thisbe were lovers who died tragically. Pyramus found Thisbe’s blood-stained scarf, assumed she had been killed, and committed suicide with his sword. It seems likely the reference to the story of Thisbe is a reference to the rusty, somewhat blood-like coloration of this moth.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Amazing – I love the transparent part of the wings!
It’s hard to believe it’s a moth–they are usually so drab. When this moth is in action, it really does look like a tiny hummingbird.
I love a sentence including the phrase, ‘my favoritemoth’! Also a fine photograph. Regards Thom.
Thanks, Thom. I suspect that most people would freeze in place if your asked them about their favorite moth–it has never crossed their mind to have a favorite one.
I’ve never seen one of these sitting still. Nice shots.
I had never seen one sitting still either and that was why I posited that it might be laying eggs. What it was not doing was sipping nectar–there were no blossoms at all where it was perching.
With a moth like this wings at rest is amazing. Congrats!
I like the story! It is a beautiful moth and I get its cousin over here. Amelia
Amazing photo, Mike! Thank you so much for sharing it. I love these moths as well, but have never seen one at rest. Their wings are beautiful!
Another of my Great White Whales … (sigh). Good catch, Mike!
Me too, last year I got pics of the bumble bee clearwing with the black and yellow markings, fascinating moths. Excellent pics.. 🙂
Thanks, Ed. Our tastes in bugs are similar. 🙂