Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Is It A Bird, Is It A Moth?

My husband and I saw the strangest creature this weekend that had us both scratching our heads.  Have you ever seen one of these before?


It was extremely difficult to get a photo because it doesn't stay still for one second.


It looked like a cross between a hummingbird and a flying shrimp.


After a little investigating we found out that it's a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth . . . .  aren't they the strangest looking things?

22 comments:

  1. Superb images. I have seen pictures of this before. So was going to say what it was until I got to the end of the post.

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  2. Beautiful pictures from this little...what ever. Great shots !

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  3. I've seen them in my area. Never knew what their name was. Thanks. They are interesting to watch.

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  4. We have them up here in Northern VA! Very fascinating.

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  5. What amazing captures - that first shot is so amazingly clear. What an unusual creature, it does indeed look like a flying shrimp with that feathery tail and the lines along the body. I love the colors too, the unusual blend of red, white and that olive green. Fabulous.

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  6. Looks like a lobster with wings. :)

    Great shots.

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  7. Thanks guys, I'm continually amazed at what I find when I walk out the door.

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  9. What fabulous pictures! Love the colors and the crazy body shape.

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  10. I have heard of these, but never seen a photo. Great shots!

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  11. I've seen videos of those, but I don't think we have them in Oregon. Really cool pictures!

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  12. I've not seen one ... yet ... hope to! Great photos!

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  13. What an incredible creature. It does look like a hummingbird and a shrimp!
    Fantastic shot!

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  14. When our balsam blooms, we'll have a few of those flying around. Your photos are excellent! :)

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  15. fantastic captures of these oh-so-fast evening moths~!!~
    we have them around here and i've tried to shoot them but with very little success.

    had to laugh at your apt description of them: part hummingbird - part shrimp
    perfect.

    :-)
    libbyQ

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  16. strange and totally beautiful !!

    i really want to see one up close and personal, but i bet they aren't around here in wisconsin :(

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  17. These are great shots. I have seen these on other blogs, but never in person. Would love to though.

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  18. Greatly done. Thank you for sharing so amazing.

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  19. Wonderful photos! I have seen several and they are beautiful - I even got to witness one right after it eclosed and was drying its wings and held it as it took its first flight, and it was magical. Mine was a hawk moth...they are fascinating aren't they?!

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  20. very strange looking moth. but great shots!!!!

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  21. Never seen anything quite like this. I guessed it was a cross between a moth and a bird..but I was just joking..not thinking it to be true. Wonderful captures!!!

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  22. Fabulous photos!
    Amazing textures!

    Have never seen images of this interesting creature before!

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