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Strange insect

20 years ago

I have seen an insect recently (and last year as well) around my butterfly bush that is so unusual. I don't have the capability to send a picture so I will describe it as clearly as I can. It's about two inches long and has wings that move with the speed of a hummingbird. Thick black antennae about half the length of its body sprout from the head. The tail is the same shape as a lobster's tail. The top of the body is dark green (though the tail may be more of a rusty brown). Its underside is a whitish color. If I had not seen the antennae, I would have mistaken this critter for a hummingbird! Especially since it appears to have an almost beak-like mouth for sucking the nectar. Very odd - can you help?

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Comments (4)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
20 years ago
Probably the Snowberry Clearwing Sphinx Moth, correctly called the Hummingbird Moth. There are other sphinx moths, however, that look very much like hummingirds, too. Not an odd creature, but a wonderful one. Fairly common, but always a wonderful treat to witness.

The beak like 'mouth' is the standard moth/butterfly equipment. It rolls it up out of the way when not in use.

The caterpillar is a hornworm.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hummingbird moth
emmi331
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks so much for the website! I looked through several pictures there, and found what I think is the perfect match - a Hemaris thysbe, which showed a bright green body similar to my little outdoor friend. But it is definitely a hummingbird moth, I would say! And yes, I really enjoy observing it; it seems relatively fearless even when I sneak up fairly close. Hopefully there will always be one or more in my garden....
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larry_gene
20 years ago
Now the insect is not so strange!
gw:deb_h_3-day
20 years ago
They are great for photographing. Unlike hummingbirds who might not let you approach, you can usually get really close to a hummingbird moth for great shots.

Deb in PA

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