Hawk Moth in Flight (8 photos)

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This Hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is somewhat of an outlier. Most moths are active at night, have large wings and have navigational problems brought on by street lights; whereas these moths are active during the daytime are swift fliers and hover as they feed.

Very much like a hummingbird, their small wings beat very rapidly, requiring a lot of energy. Just like the hummingbirds they are constantly moving from flower to flower for a sip of nectar.

Their proboscis is longer than their entire body!

Using a high shutter speed, I was able to capture the hawk-moth's wings in different positions as it flew, without a camera their wings are nearly invisible!

Down-stroke.

Up-stroke. In the two previous shots the "tail" can be seen, just as in birds this is used to help control the hawk-moth's flight.

Turning, en route to another blossom. The flexible proboscis is halfway curled, when resting the whole thing is coiled up under the head.

Last year I was very fortunate to spot one of these colourful moths as it came to rest for a night on the rose bush outside the window. I doubt I would have spotted it otherwise!

More Hummingbird Hawk-moth photos!

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