I have several Buddleia plants. The light lavender is a low growing bush and has huge blooms 8” to 10” long, reminding me of Lilacs. The deeper purple have smaller blooms, 5” to 6” and grow much taller. But they both smell beautiful.
I’ve been watching the Butterflies come to them but surprised I didn’t see any of my honeybees on them yet. They must have a better source of pollen and nectar.
But…I did spot this Clearwing Hummingbird Moth this evening.
When you first spot them you are positive it’s a Hummingbird.
In the picture you can see it is using it’s forelegs but they aren’t noticeable when they are in flight.
It wasn’t too happy about my following it around.
In this picture you can see why it is called a “clearwing”.
Here you can see some of it’s color.
Watch it work the flowers.
Such an amazing moth that fools us to believe it's a hummer. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteHope your bees are making honey.
I first saw a hummingbird moth in Beijing and was totally freaked out by it, in a good way. It's a bird! No! It's a bug! What the hell is it?
ReplyDeleteTurns out we have them in Colorado, too.
Yours is pretty neat.
I have not seen any humming bird moths yet this year but once my lavender is in flower I know that will be around. Great photos. Diane
ReplyDeleteNice photos! We have these moths here in Alaska too. They are very interesting to watch. They certainly like your Buddleia.
ReplyDeleteI've seen these in my woods too. I like that they seem to let me get close enuf to take some decent photos. They visit my thistles, which is a good reason to have them around (if they have no other redeeming qualities).
ReplyDelete