Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/07/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:06:15 -0500 > From: "Jim Nichols" <jhnichols@bellsouth.net> > Subject: [Leica] IMG: Another Swallowtail and an Unknown Insect > To: "LUG@Leica-Users.org" <lug@leica-users.org> > Cc: olympus@ml.free.fr > Message-ID: <B5CE7FF47CE54161B0ADC6CCCD4E0780@jimnichols> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Our patio flowers continue to attract subjects for photos, though > the subjects are never very cooperative. Two examples are attached, > and I need help identifying one of the insects. > > This Black Swallowtail shows up most days, but never stays long. > Today, I got an opportunity for an image. > > http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Another+Swallowtail.tif.html > > This unknown specie, larger than most bumblebees and having an > unusual rear shape with no evident stinger, shows up each day, but > this is the first time I could get near it with my camera. The > wings never stop moving, even when it rests on a bloom, so a photo > presents quite a challenge. > > Can anyone identify this one? I have looked at all our reference > books, and searched online, but have seen nothing like it. > > http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Unknown+Insect.tif.html From my buddy the entomologist Dr. Bug: Snowberry clearwing Hemaris diffinis (Boisduval, 1836) Attributes of Hemaris diffinis Family: Sphinx Moths, Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) Subfamily: Macroglossinae (Macroglossinae) Identification: Adults mimic bumblebees. Wings are transparent with dark brown to light brownish orange borders. Forewing cell lacks dark scales. Life history: Adults fly swiftly during the day. Caterpillars pupate in cocoons spun in leaf litter on the ground. Flight: . Two broods from March-August. Wing span: 1 1/4 - 2 inches (3.2 - 5 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Snowberry (Symphoricarpos), honeysuckle (Lonicera), dogbane (Apocynum), and dwarf bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera). Adult food: Nectar from flowers including lantana, dwarf bush honeysuckle, snowberry, orange hawkweed, thistles, lilac, and Canada violet. CZ Friends with Esoteric Knowledge, NC