Luminous Landscape Forum

The Art of Photography => User Critiques => Topic started by: Jeremy Roussak on August 30, 2009, 01:58:20 pm

Title: Moth
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on August 30, 2009, 01:58:20 pm

I'm not sure these really belong on User Critiques, since I'd like help (from Mike, probably, as the fount of such knowledge) on what this beast is rather than a critique of the shots, welcome though that would be. Anyway, here they are. Taken in southern France last week. Damn thing wouldn't keep still, hovered all the time and darted about. These are pretty much 100% crops from the centre of the frame, taken on a dull day at 1/800th: should have been faster, I suspect.

I've been told it's a hummingbird hawk moth.

[attachment=16294:moth.jpg] [attachment=16295:moth2.jpg]

Jeremy

Title: Moth
Post by: Arlen on August 30, 2009, 02:15:10 pm

Nice shots, Jeremy. These bugs are known variously (depending on locale and custom) as hummingbird moths, hawkmoths, bee moths, sphinx moths, or combinations of those terms. They are members of the family Sphingidae. Whatever you call them, they are fascinating creatures, aren't they? Except for the antennae, they look more like birds than moths to me.

Title: Moth
Post by: ARD on August 30, 2009, 04:09:04 pm

You did very well to catch these. They are known for their quick movements, more like humming birds than moths in the way they dart about.

Title: Moth
Post by: wolfnowl on August 30, 2009, 04:28:33 pm

Quote from: Arlen

Nice shots, Jeremy. These bugs are known variously (depending on locale and custom) as hummingbird moths, hawkmoths, bee moths, sphinx moths, or combinations of those terms. They are members of the family Sphingidae. Whatever you call them, they are fascinating creatures, aren't they? Except for the antennae, they look more like birds than moths to me.

Nice work!  And Arlen is right on.  Hummingbird moths are fascinating little creatures!

Mike.

Title: Moth
Post by: bill t. on August 30, 2009, 08:40:27 pm

We grow Columbines just to attract those guys here in NM.  Here we only see them in the twilight.  Surprised you found these is so much light.

Title: Moth
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on August 30, 2009, 09:20:21 pm

Impressive shots, Jeremy! And another good workout for Mike.

Title: Moth
Post by: Randy Carone on August 31, 2009, 10:01:54 am

Nice shot of Hummingbird moths. They often visit our Azaleas and Impatiens in NJ.