Hummingbird Moths

[I’m sorry.] Last week, I learned of the existence of the hummingbird clearwing moth. I don’t care for it! I mean, just look at it: [Photo credit: Larry Dallaire] This large moth might be mistaken for a hummingbird because it hovers and beats its wings rapidly while unfurling its long tongue (proboscis) to sip nectar…They can fly sideways and backwards, accelerate quickly, and these moths beat their wings about 60 to 70 times per second (!) when hovering — fast enough to produce a buzzing or humming sound that is within the range of human hearing. I’ve been thinking about this thing a lot, because it’s gross.1 Honestly, hummingbirds might be gross too if I consider them too much, but they get a pass because they’re birds, and birds are cool. A moth is just a gross flying bug. It may be a pollinator, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Anyhow, the best way I know to get this thing out of my mind is by sharing the awfulness with all of you. As always, thanks for reading One Foot…