Can you identify this beautiful-looking hummbird-shrimp-moth hybrid?
July 18, 2012 4:25 PM Subscribe
What sort of species is this interesting little guy? Pics and observed characteristics noted, inside.
Photo. Its wings did not capture.
It flies like a hummingbird, is the size of a large moth, has long antennae, the tail of a shrimp, and loves drinking nectar from flowers with his mouth-straw (scientific name not found on local drive C:/mybrain>.)
I know someone can disillusion me of the notion that I discovered the first of the invading space-lobsters. Though, c'mon, for who wouldn't welcome these, our new, adorable, overlords.
Photo. Its wings did not capture.
It flies like a hummingbird, is the size of a large moth, has long antennae, the tail of a shrimp, and loves drinking nectar from flowers with his mouth-straw (scientific name not found on local drive C:/mybrain>.)
I know someone can disillusion me of the notion that I discovered the first of the invading space-lobsters. Though, c'mon, for who wouldn't welcome these, our new, adorable, overlords.
Best answer: You basically nailed it in your description. It's a hummingbird moth. As for species, I can narrow it to Hemaris possibly thysbe, as linked above.
posted by Cold Lurkey at 4:32 PM on July 18, 2012
posted by Cold Lurkey at 4:32 PM on July 18, 2012
That would be some kind of hummingbird moth or hummingbird hawk moth, I think, depending on where in the world ypu saw it. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about the former and the latter.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 4:33 PM on July 18, 2012
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 4:33 PM on July 18, 2012
Best answer: I'm thinking Hemaris thysbe, the hummingbird clearwing moth.
posted by Snerd at 4:36 PM on July 18, 2012
posted by Snerd at 4:36 PM on July 18, 2012
Best answer: Your photo looks identical to this guy so my vote is for thysbe.
posted by MaryDellamorte at 4:36 PM on July 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by MaryDellamorte at 4:36 PM on July 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Man, what a cool creature. Thanks!
posted by pedmands at 5:03 PM on July 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by pedmands at 5:03 PM on July 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
(and mouth-straw = proboscis)
posted by peppermintfreddo at 5:08 PM on July 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by peppermintfreddo at 5:08 PM on July 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
They Might Be Giants think it's cool, too.
It's messing with the plan, it can't be believed
'Cause it's just a hummingbird moth
Who's acting like a bird that thinks it's a bee
posted by Jasper Fnorde at 11:43 AM on July 19, 2012
It's messing with the plan, it can't be believed
'Cause it's just a hummingbird moth
Who's acting like a bird that thinks it's a bee
posted by Jasper Fnorde at 11:43 AM on July 19, 2012
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posted by Coatlicue at 4:30 PM on July 18, 2012