This bug/bird/insect has been flying around our butterfly bushes for the past few weeks. Any ideas on what it could be. We are stumped because it appears to be a hummingbird/butterfly type specie but up close it looks like a lobster! We would love some insight. :confused:

That shape is classic hummingbird. See scads of them here (http://images.google.com/images?q=hummingbird&svnum=100&hl=en&lr=&start=18&sa=N&ndsp=18).

If it was "hovering" like a hummingbird does, then I'd bet a dollar to a donut that it is one.

What city do you live in or near? That would help narrow down exactly what it is.

I can't really tell -- the photo is not so sharp, but it might be a clearwing moth that has the means of drinking nectar like a hummingbird? Just a thought. Moths can grow to the size of small birds too. Are there any apparent legs on it and if so how many?

We live in Rhode Island. We weren't sure if it was a hummingbird because it appears to have 6-8 legs! We have yet to find another hummingbird like this in our searches! Thanks. :)

It IS a clear winged moth!! We found the exact match on Yahoo images! Thanks.

Makes me very happy to realise that all the really irrelevant stuff I know isn't totally without benefit here LOL... YIPPEE!

It is indeed a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth. Specifically a male. I live in CT, close to the RI border, and they are indeed common, given the right plant. Here is the female from my own photographic work.
The plant this one is on, Bee Balm, is a particular favorite, where they congregate in great numbers during full bloom.
Great job in capturing it! Certainly one of the hardest things I've ever photographed myself. :)

That's a gorgeous shot of an awesome moth. If it were me I'd be planting more of whatever they love most to attract more of them. Too cool.

Spectacular Thomas!

Hi Rick and Val,
Thanks. :) I wish I had the property for a proper garden down here. Up at my last place in MA, I had a fairly extensive garden that included bee balm, though curiously I never saw a single one. That photo was taken at a local Audubon preserve, something of my second home down here.
Thanks again. :)

We took photo of same (Hummingbird Moth) in our front yard - June 12, 2008 - in New Port Richey - Florida

http://www.geocities.com/g_kidder/gen/100B1073.JPG