Macroglossum stellatarum – I feel quite privileged to have been able to take these photographs of this splendid hawk-moth. I took them quite a few years ago with my first digital camera purchase back in the summer of 2005, and haven’t been able to capture one in flight and feeding since back then. A spectacular brightly coloured diurnal moth which can be seen sipping nectar in full sunlight with its extraordinary long proboscis. It looks and sounds like a hummingbird as it feeds from tubular flowers such as Red Valerian, Buddleia, Lilac, and the like.
Copyright: Peter Hillman
Camera used: Sony Cybershot DSC-W1
Date taken: 21st August 2005
Place: Rear garden, Staffordshire
Aren’t these creatures wonderful?! We see them very occasionally at our cottage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They sure are 🙂 I haven’t seen one here for some years now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice one Pete, so difficult to photograph.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Brian. Yes, they are so quick … there one second … gone the next!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The only species I’ve ever seen is the white-lined hawk moth, which has a little pink to go with its white lines. I think they’re quite common north of Houston, and they may be more common here than I realize. They’re fantastic creatures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are fantastic creatures, Linda, and I wish I got to see more of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a long proboscis!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like an interesting little creature – I am sure this moth is hard to capture with a camera.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was lucky back then with these shots as they move so fast and don’t always stay long. This one must of been hungry as he stayed longer than most.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful pictures! I always wanted to see one and last late summer I saw one up here on the 3rd floor, but only for a few seconds. It was looking for nectar, but there wasn’t much left. Nevertheless I was sooo happy 🙂 I hope for a coming back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 I hoe you get a return visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, please 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We occasionally see hummingbird moths here. Probably a different variety.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful, Pete. You can even see its little eye.
LikeLike
Thank you, Jill. I think he was so intent on feeding he didn’t notice me snapping away.
LikeLike
Such extraordinary creatures! Always an exciting find. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anki 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a lucky person, Pete. They are so difficult to capture and you shot some beautiful pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was lucky, Greta, than you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve got hummingbird moths visiting our bee balm every year…hummingbirds too. They are a real challenge to photograph and you’ve done well with these.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s jus luck of the draw getting shots of these, they are so quick. Thank you, Steve 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel privileged viewing them! 👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Julie 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
These would be beautiful to see in person for sure!! Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lisa 🙂 They are awesome to see , especially the hawk-moths.
LikeLiked by 1 person