White-lined Sphynx Moth by PatGoltz
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Hyles lineata.
This is a type of hummingbird moth, so called because it can hover like a hummingbird. It was nearly dark when I took this photo, so I lightened it a little. I have photographed them in broad daylight, too, though they are almost totally nocturnal. They suck nectar and pollinate the flowers. I found this one in Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mountains, southern Arizona, USA, where I went to photograph hummingbirds the next day, and he was quite a pleasant surprise.
They can be up to 4" in length, with a wingspan of 5" and a tongue length of 10".
Edit: I saw another one today in broad daylight, and got photographs. Today is August 27. :)

Comments (4)
Great shot! I've only seen one in my life and it gave me quite a start, thinking hummingbird, but with six legs! I was wondering where the nuclear power plant was.
Wonderfully captured!
great macro !! never seen before this !!!
Impresionante macro Pat, tiene un detalle fantástico....!!