The power of the butterfly bush

When we planted the butterfly bush in the front yard we were hopeful that many butterflies would visit our yard.  We also figured that the bush would attract many different types of bees.  What we didn't expect to see is a particular winged wonder that visited the bush this afternoon.  For all we know this insect has been visiting ever since the bush began blooming this year and it took this long for us to notice.

While I was cutting the front lawn and ready to make a pass along side the butterfly bush I noticed movement from a yellow and black insect flying around a flower head.  My initial thought was that it was a rather large bumblebee, but in the next instant I observed that this creatures flight pattern was like that of a hummingbird!  My next thought was, Oh my gosh! Could this be a very tiny hummingbird?!  Trying to keep my cool so I didn't scare whatever it was away, I began rapidly knocking on a porch window and calling for John.  Finally, I just sprinted inside to grab the camera before this thing flew away.

Once armed with the camera, I spent about thirty minutes observing and photographing this marvelous insect. It flew like a hummingbird but had legs like a butterfly or moth.  Its manner of getting nectar was like that of a butterfly or moth, too.  A very long needle-like tongue that probed the center of the flowers.  No beak and too many legs, and its hind quarters appeared sectioned.  It made me think of a shrimps tail.  What I was beginning to think is that this was some sort of unique moth.  It was only about an inch and a half in length.

Once the front lawn was cut, I plopped myself down in front of the computer and excitedly searched for North American/Illinois hummingbird species.  Hummingbirds.net included this note:  If you're having trouble identifying a small flying creature, especially if it has red or yellow near its tail, take a look at Moths of the United States or The Butterfly WebSite.  Bingo!  A photo of the insect in question was included next to that note and it looked just like what I saw.  A quick search of the regional checklist at the Moths of the United States website led me to Hemaris thysbe - Hummingbird clearwing.  It is the only moth with the word hummingbird in its description so I feel pretty confident that I've identified this moth correctly.

There were two of these hummingbird moths drinking nectar from the bush this afternoon.  I'm so happy to have spotted them and learn of their existence.  I love when magical events like this happen, especially when you're not expecting them.


Talking about the butterfly bush and remembering how large it was when we brought it home (three short slender branches with a single tiny flower head) compared to it's size the past two years, got me thinking about how the front yard has transformed to its current state of beauty.  Included below are a few photos taken of the front yard in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.  We've done good! 

May 14, 2009 (The house was officially ours!)

November 2010 

April 2011

May 2011

August 27, 2011

Home Sweet Home.

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