Flower Power
Posted by ilene novick on July 21, 2003
Q: i saw this insect at my flowers..can you tell me what it might be? small..body divided into 3 sections of color..pale green at top..mustard at middle..burgundy at end..2 black pom pom things at the end..very airy burgundy wings beating a mile a minute..sticking a long hairy thing into every flower..2 black whisker like things..first time i ever saw this beautiful creature..thanx for any help..ilene
A: You've perfectly described the Hummingbird Moth! Also known as the Common Clearwing because soon after emerging from the cocoon its wing scales wear off exposing the transparent wing underneath. It is in the Sphinx Moth Family that encompasses about 100 North American Species. The Sphinx Moth caterpillar holds its body erect in a Sphinx-like position. the Hummingbird Moth flies during the day and feeds on flower nectar while hovering like a hummingbird.
Jim Berry ( July 23, 2003)