Many of my photographer friends have been posting photos of hummingbirds and I felt a little left out. I didn’t see any yesterday, but did spot several Snowberry Clearwing moths (Hemaris diffinis) at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This species, along with other clearwing moths, is sometimes called a “hummingbird moth” because of its appearance and behavior, which reminds some folks of a hummingbird.
Most of the times in the past that I have seen a hummingbird clearwing moth, it has been a “cousin” of this species, the very similar Hemaris thysbe. That species, however, has more red on its body and has lighter colored legs, according to the butterfliesandmoths.org website.
As you might suspect, these moths are in almost constant motion. Its is quite a challenge, therefore, to track them and keep them in focus as they dart among the flowering plants.
As I was tracking one, a second one flew in and seemed intent on dislodging the first one. I reflexively I pressed the shutter button and was a little shocked to see that I managed to capture them both in a single frame. It’s cool that they both had their long proboscises curled up at the moment I took the shot.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wonderful photos. I’m impressed by your ability to focus and compose images for speedy wee beasties in motion. Love their curly wee proboscises too.
Gorgeous!
Spectacular captures! Benjamin and I were fortunate to have seen Hummingbird Moths on a few occasions. They quickly disappeared from view. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
That’s cool to hear. I wonder if he will remember them when he sees my shots.
Knowing Benjamin, and I do, he will definitely remember and even where we saw them!
Superb shots Mike, well done.
Nice shots!
Very nice, Mike, especially that serendipitous first one.
Thanks, Ellen. I don’t think that I could have planned that first one, not matter how hard I tried. As you know well, I suspect, luck plays a big role quite often in nature photography.
If you had tried it wouldn’t have been so good, in my experience! It sure does, Mike, especially when more than one subject is involved.
Beautiful moths and well photographed, Mike! 🙂 It reminds me of the hummingbird hawk-moth we have here: https://calee.photography/2015/09/13/dagsvarmare/
Thanks, Camilla. The bodies look pretty similar, though your moth has opaque wings, unlike ours which has clear wings.