The hummingbird look-a-like

This tiny creature is in fact a white-lined sphinx moth from the Sphingidae family. They are typically seen from June through August. They mimic the hummingbird perfectly, as they zip in a blur from flower to flower and feed while hovering.
These moths usually fly at dawn, but will fly during daylight. They are always alone, and appear oblivious to people. Their wing span is 2 7/16 – 3 9/16 inches.
This moth’s photo was taken at the David and Kayla Michael’s home about eight miles northeast of Gallatin in Daviess County as it was feeding on the petunias in their garden. The moths also like the nectar of  columbines, larkspurs, honeysuckle, moonvine, bouncing bet, lilac, clovers, thistles, and Jimpson weed.
The upperside of the forewing is dark olive brown with paler brown along the costa and outer margin, a narrow tan band running from the wing tip to the base, and white streaks along the veins. Hindwing upperside is black with a reddish pink median band. Their range is most of the United States. [Staff Photo/KAM]