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Hummingbird Clearwing
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Hummingbird Clearwing

by Howard Cheek

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted May 15, 2012180 views10 comments
Another in the "thistle patch" series, the moth's at hover as it feeds.
First time I've caught this insect in flight, was lucky to catch the wings stopped at their apex.
Hemaris thysbe or Hummingbird Clearwing. Sphingidae family.
F/8, 1/1250th, ISO 640, 1D M3, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 + Kenko 1.4x ext with fill, -2 exposure bias.
Overcast conditions @ 11:13am using monopod for support.
Thanx for lookin'

Comments

10 comments
Comment posted by Rick Turner on May 15, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Very well composed and exposed. Beautiful
Registered on February 18, 2012, 534 Posts, 2755 Comments
Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on May 15, 2012 at 2:41 PM
Very nice shot of this pretty tough subject- Great timing and excellent composition- You've a good bunch of these wonderful moths in your area- Thanks for sharing, Fabio
Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments
Comment posted by Daniel & Loana on May 15, 2012 at 4:39 PM
Wonderful shot, Howard. I like the transparency of the wings.

Very well done!
D&L
Registered on October 7, 2008, 166 Posts, 3044 Comments
Comment posted by Walt Sterneman on May 15, 2012 at 6:45 PM
Nice shot Howard. This is pretty amazing to look at.
Registered on March 24, 2010, 73 Posts, 1268 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on May 15, 2012 at 7:34 PM
Outstanding image, Howard. Really shows off this remarkable subject. Excellent detail on the subject against the nice BG. Someone else already commented on this, but the transparent wings, perfectly captured in this image, are AMAZING. :toast:
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on May 15, 2012 at 8:35 PM
Another great "in flight" shot, Howard! I have a picture of one of these moths but was unable to get the wings as still as yours. Wonderful details in the moth; those transparent wings are amazing!
Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments
Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on May 16, 2012 at 6:45 AM
Great job on catching this, Howard ! The lights on the R wing are especially appealing and the colours of the Clearwing look lovely against the mauve of the flower.
Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Teller on May 16, 2012 at 7:44 AM
Fine image as usual. The colors are great and the dof is perfect. Great capture.
Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on May 18, 2012 at 7:32 AM
Unique and well taken image IMHO. Seems that using the monopod is working well for you. Have been trying it myself for close up. thanks for sharing.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Roger Leekam on May 20, 2012 at 5:56 PM
How I envy you! Had no idea that these have colorful wings. love how the flower is seen through the wings & great BG.
Registered on May 28, 2009, 83 Posts, 646 Comments