Hummingbird Hawk Moth
"The hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a species of moth. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Nat...
Read more
"The hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a species of moth. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. As of 2018, its entire genome and mitogenome have been sequenced." (Wikipedia)
Read less
Read less
COOLPIX P610
Aperture 65/10 ISO 200 Shutter 10/2500 Focal Length 2580/10 
Radozda, Struga, MK
Jul, 2019Views
399
Likes
Awards
Winner in Hummingbird Moth & Flower nothing else Photo Challenge
9Teen Award
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
All Star
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
Relaxed
Categories
scbenoit
July 29, 2019
Great image and interesting information. I first noticed these moths last year on a road trip and was quite intrigued with them.
PRO+
LookSee
July 30, 2019
These are beautiful creatures, but it takes reflexes and slow approach to get good photos! Still, it's a challenge worth trying! Thanks! :)
geophotos
July 31, 2019
Fascinating creature magnificently captured! Just think - both it and the flower evolved from a single cell amoeba (as did we) in a primordial swamp... or maybe not? :))
PRO+
LookSee
July 31, 2019
Thanks! "Maybe" is correct, because it was so long ago I can't remember... had a billion projects in the lab at the time... ;)
Platinum
annetteflottwell
August 04, 2019
Great shot!I love taking these, had none last year because an idiot destroyed my zinnias. but they are slowly coming back..
Here in CR I have only seen 3 species so far, In France thee were about 6...
Here in CR I have only seen 3 species so far, In France thee were about 6...
PRO+
LookSee
August 04, 2019
Thank you! Hope you have lots of opportunities to shoot'em, it's always fun!
PRO+
Platinum
PRO+
PRO+
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This beaut was visiting our flowerpot plants, so the conditions were nearly ideal.Time
Exif says, Date/Time Original is-was on 26-Jul-19 @ 15:00:47Lighting
Maybe, though the same lighting conditions will never repeat again... So, Shutter Speed: 1/250 sec, f/6.5, ISO 200, Exposure Bias Value -0.30 eV, Metering Mode: Center weighted average, Flash was Off, Focal Length: 258 mm, and White Balance set at Auto1 (Daylight).Equipment
NIKON COOLPIX P610 was close to hand, used without any added equipment.Inspiration
These moths are quirky, and not always ready to pose for photos. So you might say I was lucky! Inspiration enough!Editing
I did some cropping, can't remember anything else, but I think there was nothing more to do.In my camera bag
For decades already I find it easier to carry a photo vest than any photo bag. It is more than enough to take along whatever I want or need for my photo session, walk or trip. My photo bags usually stay home or in the car, to keep the equipment I'm not using at the moment. The tripod has its permanent place in the car. My vest pockets usually contain two cameras. Regardless of which is the "main" camera, one of those is always some waterproof model, if the weather plays up or when I find something interesting in the shallows. Nowadays I usually use Nikon P900 or Sony RX100m7, and the waterproof backup is an Olympus TG-2 or a Paralenz DiveCam. Other vest pockets keep the spare batteries, ND and CPL filters, and one small camera clamp which can be fixed to almost anything. In many cases this can replace a tripod. The vest has deep pockets for longer lenses, and these usually hold a small water bottle, a sandwich, or a bar of chocolate - if I plan on being out for the whole day. I always pack about three meters length of paracord or similar strong, thin rope, one hefty pocket knife, and a lighter. Much can be improvised with these if need be. Recently I made it even easier, and take the essentials along in a waist pouch; one variable-volume McKinley. In the Outdoors, simplicity and comfort are my most important requirements!Feedback
Always have a camera somewhere within reach, and then switch your patience on to max. These insects are very speedy, change their positions often, and have excellent reflexes! Thus, avoid jerky movements, approach slowly, and hope for the best! :)
