The coffee bee hawkmoth (Cephonodes hylas), also called as the pellucid hawk moth or coffee clearwing , is a captivating moth and unlike most moths that are nocturnal, this one is diurnal.
It is famous for its striking resemblance to bumblebees & hummingbirds.
They possess an incredible ability to beat their wings up to 70–85 times per second allowing them to hover perfectly in mid-air, fly backward, and make sharp turns while using a long proboscis to sip nectar from flowers.
As caterpillars, they feed primarily on coffee plants , hence their common name.
When adults emerge from their cocoons, their wings are actually covered in fine gray scales. During their first flight, these scales completely shed to reveal completely transparent, glassy wings. This unique feature reflects very little light, acting like an invisibility cloak against predators.
The species is highly adaptable , has a massive geographic distribution.
(Composite of two images of the same specimen)
Shot in Coorg. © Dr.Bishan Monnappa.
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