This hovering Snowberry Clearwing Moth is the first of its species I’ve seen and photographed this year. I had to get photos of the moth!

Snowberry Clearwing Moth hovering over a butterfly bush, Sebastian County, ArkansasSnowberry Clearwing Moth hovering over a butterfly bush – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1600, ISO 1250, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light

While I didn’t have the best light, I’m still happy with this photo of the Snowberry Clearwing Moth in flight. These moths are often called hummingbird moths for a reason. They can really move!

A close look at these moths shows that they aren’t hummingbirds, of course. But I can see why, with only a quick glance, they might be mistaken for one. Especially when they’re hovering over flowers.

I do wish I’d had enough shutter speed to freeze the wings because they’re quite pretty. But I also like the blur. It shows the action and motion.

Snowberry Clearwing Moths are found throughout eastern North America, from Canada to Florida, and west to the Rocky Mountains where they prefer open woodlands, meadows, gardens, and other areas with flowering plants.

I remember standing very still next to a flower bed the first time I ever saw a clearwing moth, years and years ago. I was thoroughly mesmerized.

Guess what? They still mesmerize me to this day.

Life is good.

Mia

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