Strang bug..

[jwb121377]

Strange bug..

While in my backyard I came across this bug, and I want to know if anyone knows what it is? It is about 2.5-3" and is "furry" for lack of a better term. I have lived here for 26 years and have never seen anything like it before.

 

[jwb121377]

Here is one more picture:

 

[leiurus]

This is a "Sphinx". I caught one when I was 7 years old
Dom

 

[jwb121377]

This is a "Sphinx". I caught one when I was 7 years old
Dom

Cool, I wonder why I've never seen one before? I could have caught it, but I would just rather catch it with the camera. I hope it returns so I can get some more pictures of it.

 

[Jesse607]

It is the "hummingbird moth" Hemaris thysbe, which is in the family Sphingiidae.

 

[jwb121377]

Thanks to both of you for the quick id! I've been able to find some neat sites on them, thanks to your help. Here are a couple I found, maybe someone will find them of intrest.

http://howardfamilyhomepage.net/page5b.html
http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/hthysbe.htm

 

[greensleeves]

Ew.

I was taking a picture of one of those thinking it was a hummingbird, then I got closer and I screamed when I saw what it was. Ack!

Kind of cool though, now that it isn't right in my face.

Greensleeves