The hummingbird moth comes several times a day
to the pink Bee Balm (Monarda)

which it is forced to share with bumblebees.

It is a strange creature, and at first we thought it was a hummingbird.
It buzzes and sounds like a muffled hummingbird.
And, like the hummingbird, can hover and fly backward.

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The proboscis is kept curled when it is in flight,

Then it unfurls to get to the nectar at the bottom of the petals.

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Notice that the wings have transparent sections where scales have fallen off.

These creatures were fascinating in August.
There are at least three different ones that were photographed, and we have lots more pictures,
if you are interested!
Actually, we have lots more if you are not interested, too.

Click to see the earlier hummingbird moth pictures.