Riddle me this – what has a bumblebee body and hovers like a hummingbird, resembling both but a relative to neither?
Why, a Snowberry Clearwing Moth, of course!
These incredibly cool creatures are often called Hummingbird Moths and are a sure sign of summer to me.
I still remember the first time I ever saw one. I was out taking pictures of a Tiger Swallowtail, when one of these moths showed up and caught me by surprise. It certainly looked like something that could carry a sting, so I hurried straight to google and typed in “humming bee?” and the mystery was quickly solved – not a bee, not a bird, but a day-flying moth. And, I’m happy to report they are 100% stinger free!
This beauty dropped by the other day and was going from one lantana blossom to another, nipping up the nectar with its sippy-straw proboscis, which they typically curl up when in flight.
I had such a good time watching it feast on the flowers.
Here’s hoping this one is the first of many!
And just out of curiosity, how many of ya’ll added “Batman” to the end of “riddle me this”?
Backyard Bird Nerd 
*hands up to the Batman question*
Glad I’m not the only one!
What an amazing little creature!
I agree!
….so, do they emerge from cocoons made by some sort of huge caterpillar? They frankly look frankenstein-ish–fascinatingly creepy, fascinatingly alluring, and bottomline bizarre.
I whole-heartedly agree with that description!
And, courtesy of google…https://piedmontgardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/snowberry-clearwing-caterpillar.jpg
This is what the caterpillar looks like. Also, kinda creepy kinda cool!
Wow. That is one, giant, and amazing caterpillar–what a wonderful world is ours! And your posts are ones I delight in every morning. Thank you.
Great captures, Kathy. Here’s what the larva look like, and their host plants. https://naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com/2015/10/19/snowberry-clearwing-larvae-pupating/
The caterpillars are equally as cool looking!
How cool! The only time I ever saw something similar (but not nearly as colorful) was on vacation in South Dakota. It was a real “what the heck is that???” moment and my family ended up on “hawk moth.”
Gorgeous photos of this patchwork creature!
Thanks!
They are spectacular insects. You’ve captured them beautifully 😊
Thanks!