Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Hummingbird Moth (Clearwing Moth)

June 7, 2022 
Observed while enjoying the hot tub. 
 Boylston, MA

It's easy to mistake a hummingbird moth for a tiny hummingbird.  It feeds on the nectar of flowers, hovering with the body stationary, its transparent wings beating so fast as to be nearly invisible,. In flight, the wings create a soft buzzing, like a hummingbird.
The hummingbird clearwing moth is the most commonly seen in Massachusetts.  It has an olive back a red-brown abdomen and pale legs.