Today I got close-up and personal with a “Snowberry Clearwing” Moth!  I’ve seen them dart around in the last few years thinking they must be a hybrid of bumblebee and hummingbird or something.  Well, turns out I wasn’t far off:

“Hemaris diffinis is notable for its colorful nicknames. In certain parts of Appalachia, including West Virginia, Hemaris diffinis is known as “hummingbird moth” or “flying lobster”. These nicknames are derived from its supposed physical resemblance to other (genetically unrelated) animals.” (wikipedia)

And, yes, that tail immediately made me think of a lobster.

It allowed me to be fairly close taking photos while I followed it around the “butterfly” bush on our deck.  When it flew off, passing close to my ear, it truly sounded like a bumblebee hummingbird. . .

Nature is endlessly amazing!