A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Cephonodes hylas hylas
The Pelucid Hawk Moth gathers nectar from flowers all day long, unlike its closest relatives which are mostly active at night. They are often mistaken for bees and their hovering wings make a similar buzzing sound. They are known by their Japanese name "Õsukashiba" in Japan.
This species in Japan is found all throughout the country south of Hokkaido. It can also be spotted in many large cities.
Taken at the Shirakami Sanchi Natural World Heritage Site in Aomori prefecture, Japan.
Spotted on Aug 1, 2009
Submitted on May 26, 2012
4 Comments
Thank you for sharing. They are truly remarkable! The wings are believe or not actually rather clear however I think in the photo it just seems more opaque. I think this species since it is active in the day is a bit more common in Japan, but still really cool to spot.
This is similar to the hummingbird moths we have in the US... but those are usually active at dusk and at night. The only time I ever saw one was a few years ago around 3 a.m. - my dogs had to go outside and there was one hovering over my honeysuckle plants. It looked like a hummingbird, flew like one and sounded like one - but had 2 antennae on its head. A surreal experience. Looked like a hummingbird from Mars. :) There is something magical about these moths - you cannot truly appreciate them until you see & hear them in person.
Thank you! It's a pleasure to share it.
Very nice photo. What a beautiful moth you have in your country.