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