This Nessus Sphinx Moth was feeding
on Liatris (Gayfeather) flowers in Janice and Art Haines' Garden in
Niagara Falls, Ontario. We had the best view of this fascinating
diurnal sphinx moth. 15 July 2017. This is not a Hummingbird
Clearwing Moth. Thanks to James Kamstra for the identification.
Nessus Sphinx Moths behave just
like hummingbirds, probing for nectar in the flowers. Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds also frequent Janice and Art's garden which is ablaze
with flowers attractive to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and
moths.
Because it could be mistaken for a
hummingbird by new birders, Roger Tory Peterson includes an
illustration and a caution in his Field Guide to Birds of North
America.
