Monday, September 17, 2007

White-Lined Sphinx

Out of the corner of my eye
I saw the
White-Lined Sphinx.
I had left all the purslane
that grows wild in the flower beds.
I had read the larva feed on it.
I am thrilled!
My butterfly book says they are abundant in my area.
I would like them to be so in my yard.

14 comments:

Sprite said...

*****

Oh Sherry,

They are just gorgeous! What a wonderful capture with your camera!

I adore the colors!

Love,

*sprite

Q said...

Oh Sprite,
Oh,oh,oh!
I feel as if I have been rewarded for leaving the purslane! It is considered a "weed" and watching it become a ground cover has not been easy...
Now I am ever so happy I left it for the larva. I was lucky I saw the Sphinx. Very fast "Hummingbird" flyer. These are in the Hawk Moth family. There are over 56 species of Hawk Moths in my area. They are sometimes called Hummingbird Moths, like the Clear Wings...
I too love the pink and brown.
Oh joy!
I will keep my eye out, she could be back or more could emerge.
Wings!
Sherry

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

Sherry, that is such a wonderful picture! I would love to see one of these in person. xo nita

Q said...

Dear Nita,
They are in Missouri! Maybe once John is settled in you will be able to take a break and have a long walk in a botanical garden. St Louis has a lovely one.
I saw the White-Lined Sphinx at Powell Gardens last year.
I am so thrilled to have them in my back yard...Just thrilled.
They are big, 3.5 inches. Almost the size of a Hummingbird.
Oh joy!!!
Calm, my beating heart.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Wow, those are such stunning photos! Those colors are perfect!

Sheila said...

Q, I have so missed your lovely photos. This butterfly is big and so beautiful. What a gift from Nature to be visited by this fabulous creature..!
hugs
xx

Q said...

Hi Mon@rch,
I am so very thrilled the White-Lined Sphinx was in the back yard. I checked and I have seen three of the 56 different varieties, that are in my area, of Hummingbird Moths in my backyard. I have many more plants to plant if I want to attract all 56! The lawn is getting smaller and smaller. LOL!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Sheila,
I am singing with you, it is a glorious day!
Leaving the purslane all summer was very hard. So glad I did. The back yard is really rather wild! The Butterflies and Moths like the "wild" and I like them! Not only am I planting native but I am letting many of the "weeds" grow.
The front yard is still city tidy.
I am so grateful I saw this moth...
I wonder if I will see a Luna Moth?
They are fantastic. So many winged creatures to learn about.
Always on wings,
Sherry

smilnsigh said...

Fantastic!

Mari-Nanci

Jayne said...

Oh Sherry! THAT is SOOOOOO cool!

Mary said...

Sherry,

My goodness! That's a life bug for me!

Beautiful photos, as usual. You must have been smiling from ear to ear...

Q said...

Dear Mari-Nanci,
The White-Lined Sphinx Moth is another reason I like bugs! Amazing bug!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Jayne,
Seeing this moth in my backyard brought tears to my eyes! I may have been able to get a few better photos had I not been so happy.
I love seeing new to my backyard birds too! Migration has begun! I never know who will come in!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Mary,
Once you see one you will be smitten too. Incredible bug!
I was over the rainbow...
I seem to go there often.
I LIKE going over the rainbow.
Could live there. Maybe I do?!
Sherry