Tweeters,


What you have seen is one of a number of moth species commonly called
"hummingbird," "sphinx," or "hawk" moths. Look under the Family Sphingidae
in <http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/moths/mothsusa.htm>Moths
of North America on our web site for common examples in your state.

The Sphingidae are strong fliers, with a rapid wingbeat. Most are medium to
large moths, with heavy bodies; wingspread reaches 5 inches or more in some
species. Although a few are active in the daytime, most species in the
group are active at dusk. Most, but not all, sphingids feed much like
hummingbirds, hovering in front of a flower and sipping nectar through the
extended proboscis. The proboscis rolls up like a party noisemaker when not
in use, and may not be readily evident in a resting moth. Some species lack
scales on large portions of their wings, and therefore have transparent or
clear wings. These are commonly referred to as "clearwing hummingbird
moths," (Note however that the scientifically accepted common name of
"Hummingbird clearwing" refers specifically to Hemaris thysbe.)

Karen Bosley
Seattle, WA
klboz at earthlink.net
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