1000-Knock Drill to Overcome Insect Phobia: No. 229 - Cephonodes hylas (Coffee Bee Hawkmoth)

When I searched for Cephonodes hylas within the Konton note, surprisingly, only the following article appeared at this stage.

The adults fly around and are a bit difficult to photograph, but I find the larvae on gardenia leaves and photograph them all the time, so this is unexpected. I just took pictures of one the other day with my E-P7.

Adult Cephonodes hylas often come to flowers, but the moment they arrive, they have such an imposing presence that I think for a split second, 'Ugh, a giant hornet!'

In fact, they are larger than a queen Japanese giant hornet.

I often see them in parks where abelia is blooming. I also often see people get startled and run away, thinking, 'Wow, a bee!'

Cephonodes hylas are not bees. They are a type of hawkmoth. Are you listening? I'll repeat it because it's important. And this time, I'll use bold text.

Cephonodes hylas are not bees. | They are a type of hawkmoth. They don't sting.

Now, here is one that came to my garden to feed on nectar just after 7:30 yesterday morning.

Nectar feeding, ready!

The same individual, on a different flower.

The above was taken with the OM-1 + M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO.

The following were taken with the OM-1 + M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO. I had this lens attached at first, due to the insect I was photographing before that.

It's cute how they stick their front legs out just a little bit.

I start seeing Cephonodes hylas quite often once July arrives. I saw one while commuting the day before yesterday. I feel like I saw one in June this year as well. I have a record from last year.

You can find the list of insects for the 1000-Knock Drill to Overcome Insect Phobia below.

[Children's Insect Specialty School] - 1000-Knock Drill to Overcome Insect Phobia