Nature Canada bills the hummingbird moth as one of Canada’s coolest creatures. But, who could have guessed just how cool it would be on this occasion?
With spring, I often look for this moth. I rarely find it. Our local one is the Rocky Mountain Clearwing (Hemaris thetis) and you are lucky to even spot one, let alone watch it mate — and in midair.
This moth not only flies by day, it sips nectar as it hovers over flowers in the manner of a hummingbird. This one was visiting lilacs.
Amazingly, it was soon joined by another and they mated. The two of them continued to fly haphazardly about the lilac, seemingly using it as a sort of reference.
I believe the male is on the left. They never strayed far from the lilac during their aerial bout.
Thanks Alistair.
To me this is wonderful, quite literally full of wonder!
Take good care
Trevor
What an amazing photo opportunity- chance of a lifetime! Thanks for sharing this unusual sighting. They look so much like bees, I have a lot to learn
Great shots! I’ve seen these guys from time to time in the garden, but only one at a time. Lately I’ve been seeing snails mating in the garden. Now THAT’s a sight to see.
Thanks Alistair- very enlightening!
Look forward to perhaps seeing humming birds in your Area!
After viewing your post this morning of hummingbird moths, (Rocky Mountain Clear Wing) I went out to my garden and what did I see………yes mating Rocky Mountain Clear Wings. So beautiful. Thank you so much Alistair as I probably wouldn’t have noticed them had it not been for your post. Beautiful photos as always.
Susan
Susan, lovely. Now, were they airborne when mating?
No, they were nestled in the tall grass