Hummingbird Hawk Moth

[jdal]

Went for a walk around Holy Island yesterday with friends, ánd I was about to try and take some shots of Burnett Moths on Vipers Bugloss, when I was told there was a Hummingbird Hawk Moth there as well. These things don't stay still for long, so I just snapped away, usually at where it had been, more in hope than expectation and was very pleased to get this:



I hadn't seen the long proboscis until I looked at the shot on the computer.

The dunes and flatland in the N of Holy Island are absolutely alive with wildlife at the moment if you're in the area.

[andym]

Re: Hummingbird Hawk Moth

Very well caught.I love the colour of Bugloss which also adds to your picture.

[Jezzer]

Re: Hummingbird Hawk Moth

Very nice image John.
Good strong colours, nice composition and what a great extra catching moth and the proboscis in focus.
Well done!

[David Morison]

Re: Hummingbird Hawk Moth

Excellent capture and composition. I often see them around my garden but never seem to have the camera out of it's bag or the right lens on. Well done!

David

[FlemmingS]

Re: Hummingbird Hawk Moth

A great shot indeed - I have never seen this insect in Denmark but I read it is quite common in the mediterranean and seldom appears up north.
How common is it in Britain ?

I hope I'll get a similar beautiful photo next time I go hunting for Dragonflys

[catkins]

Re: Hummingbird Hawk Moth

Fabulous catch - I've seen them on the continent mainly, but would never have expected to see one 'up north' and especially on Holy Island - is this usual?

Regards
Chris

[jdal]

Re: Hummingbird Hawk Moth

Thanks all.

I believe that they are extending their range further north as a result of climate changes. I've not seen them up here before. Some information at:
http://www.butterfly-conservation.or...hawk_moth.html

Holy Island at this time of year is alive with insect life and flowers, so perhaps not surprising that there was a one there during a warm spell.