Or, White-lined sphinx moth, hawk moth, Sphingidae. To be specific Hyles lineata, one of the most common of the sphinx moths.
Actually, I just wanted to show you some chicory because I love the shade of blue,
but something flew into my picture.
These moths are large, and they flit and hover, so they are sometimes mistaken for hummingbirds. Here's a side view. Hard to catch the wings as anything but a blur.
They also fly during the day, unlike most moths. It stayed at each blossom for about two seconds, taking sips. See the proboscis?
The Greek name, Hyles, was the name of a centaur warrior, and lineata just means lined. So we have a fierce-looking moth with lines. Not too difficult!
The caterpillars are fairly large and usually green with lines of spots.
 | |
| if you like this blog, click the +1
| |
6 comments:
Love these! I look for them in the garden each summer. The first time I saw it, I thought it was a hummingbird.
Neat moth captures. I especially like the chicory. Seeing it interspersed with Queen Anne's lace alongside the roads: special. Not so much these days, what with spraying and mowing gone rampant. *sigh*
A moth is a bird.
That is too funny.
Okay the moth is interesting, but I'm more intrigued by the chicory. But not by the song, Chicory Chick, rather because it was used as a coffee substitute and is still mixed with coffee by some folk. It does have an interesting flavor.
that's a huge moth. I've always loved the looks of the chicory. I don't care if it is a weed, I think they're pretty
great pics, Joan. I guess you were lucky it stayed around long enough for them.
Post a Comment