Clear-Winged Sphinx Moth

Growing up on a farm in central Alabama I was taught at an

early age about wasps, bees and other not so friendly insects.

As young boys my brother and I were always exploring and playing

in the woods, fields and yes, mothers and grandmothers garden. One

of the most vivid memories I have as a young lad was being stung by

a bee for the first time. I remember learning that bumble bees could

really hurt. One day while playing I happened upon what I thought at 

the time was a bumble bee on steroids. It was the biggest bee I had

ever laid eyes on and I ran for cover every time I saw one around the

garden. To a bright eyed kid it looked like a bumble bee, just larger!

Much larger! I didn't learn until many years later in a entomology class in

college that what I thought was a bee was actually a moth. Well I have

overcome my fears of the creature and was delighted to find a couple 

going about their business in a nearby state park. The moths are very

hard to photograph because they just won't be still long enough for a 

shot. So if these seem a little blurry, I gave it my best. 

Clear-Winged Sphinx Moth - Hemaris thysbe

It is almost the size of a hummingbird.

Also called Hawk and Hummingbird Moth

I don't know if this color variation is a different specie

or just a color or age thing, but it sure is pretty.

"Between our birth and death we may touch understanding, as a moth brushes a

window with its wing."

         Christopher Fry(1907-2005): English Playwright