If the color purple had a scent, it would be lilac.
The heady perfume of lilac, the embodiment of spring, is luring all manner of flying critters. Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and hummingbird clearwing moths swarmed my garden today.
I am fascinated by the clearwing moths, wings so delicate yet strong.
They carefully sip nectar from miniature flutes.
Tiny wings never cease to flutter as the moth gently grips the petals.
In flight, probiscis curled, it hints of a mythical fairy creature.
Not to be outdone by the stunning swallowtail. I’d like to pull up a chair and join them, relishing in the scent of purple.
I had an awful time, up to actually bringing an encyclopedia, trying to convince a friend that it was a hawk moth and not a miniature humming bird. I found out that they are critical for fertilizing squash and gourd plants.