Broad Bordered Bee Hawkmoth

One of the prettiest visitors to the garden in central France in July is the Broad Bordered Bee Hawkmoth Hemaris fuciformis (called le Sphinx gazé in French). They absolutely adore lavender, like so many long tongued insects do.

This one was photographed yesterday at the Prieuré d'Orsan, in Berry, a couple of hours to the east of us beyond Châteauroux.

This day flying moth resembles a bumblebee, and often feeds alongside them. The wings are transparent, with rust coloured borders.

Susan