Maine’s Most Beautiful Insect is the Hummingbird Moth

The Hummingbird Moth is classified as an insect but is as beautiful as a delicate bird.

Maine's Hummingbird Moth Looks Like a Bird But It's an Insect

Five years ago, I was introduced to the weirdest, but one of the most beautiful flying creatures around.

It was the most amazing 'bug' I've ever seen, and I still can't believe that it's actually called an insect.

READ MORE: 9 Times Animals Have Taken Over the News in Maine

I understand there are criteria the creature meets that earn that term. But, I mean, look at it.

This is not the kind of thing you brush at frantically when discovering it on your arm. It has the type of beauty that can make people stop in their tracks just to watch.

I know that for a fact.

Maine's Hummingbird Moth Moves Fast So They're Tough to Spot

One day, as I was leaving the house to run errands, I caught sight of what I thought was a hummingbird visiting some wildflowers blooming at the front of our house.

I tiptoed up the steps and grabbed my camera, with my husband right behind me once I'd mentioned the word hummingbird.

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Once outside, I began snapping photos of what I believed was a bird. That is until Jim told me it was a hummingbird moth.

I'd never heard of such a thing, but it was so beautiful, that I couldn't stop taking pictures until it flew off to find another bunch of flowers.

Maine's Hummingbird is Photogenic But You Have to Be Quick

Once I knew the name, I couldn't help doing a little research to find out more.

Take a moment to enjoy images of one of nature's most beautiful creatures and learn a little about this truly unusual insect.