There is an abundance of Clearwing Moths this year working the flower gardens at the Patuxent Research Refuge, where I volunteer. In particular, there’s a large patch of the native, non-hybrid Monarda (Bee Balm) that these moths seem to love (along with lots of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds). This view is of a Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe). There’s a second species that I’ll post a shot of later.
7D2, 100-400 @ 330 mm, 1/2500 s, f/10, iso 1600, tripod with loose head
A wonderful capture of a very fast moving target, Mark. Such details in the moth. I love that we can see through his clear wings (and they seem tack sharp as well). You really stopped him with that 1/2500 shutter speed. I will have to try my hand with the 100-400 lens on these if they come around. We have the red Bee Balm in our flower bed. A great capture.
Mark: Great flight shot of this guy with terrific plane of focus control. Love the wing position and sharpness of the eye. Most excellent.>=))>
@Bill_Fach, the “soccer ball” eyes of these moths are quite striking.
