Whenever I see bees buzzing around flowers, I keep an eye out for hummingbird moths. For some unknown reason, I have seen more of these colorful moths this summer than in past years.
Although you could argue about whether or not thistles are flowers, my vigilance was rewarded when I spotted this beautiful Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe) feeding on this thistle bloom on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
The moth is beautiful but it’s offspring (tomato/tobacco hornworm) is a huge, ugly and devastating pest to the veg patch.
You make a great point, Ann. Some of the insects that I photograph, like cucumber beetles and Japanese beetles, are real pests, despite their beauty.
I love the delicate details in that first photo, Mike. Great shot!
Thanks, Dan. It’s a nice challenge to try to capture detail in a subject moving about as quickly as this one–at least they hover a bit.
Fantastic photos, Mike. I saw a hummingbird moth this past weekend, first one I’ve seen in eight years. It was nearly dark and hard to keep in view. That you can capture photos is impressive, and much appreciated.
Thanks, Jet. I have been blessed to spot these beauties a half-dozen times or more this year and they never fail to amaze me.
Of course thistles are flowers! Not only that, the flowers are important for many pollinators. Now, whether they’re nice flowers or naughty flowers doesn’t take much debate — no one wants them over taking their land!
The moth photo is great. I’ve only seen one in my life, but it was an extraordinary sight.
I wasn’t sure if thistles were considered to be weeds or flowers. In many cases, it seems to be a matter of perspective. I think someone once said that weeds are simply unloved flowers. I have been thrilled to spot hummingbird on at least a half-dozen occasions this season.