Clearwing Moths

Snowberry Clearwing, Hemaris diffinis

The clearwing moths, often called hummingbird moths, are found throughout North America. Of the four species, the two most familiar are the Snowberry Clearwing, Hemaris diffinis, and the Hummingbird Clearwing, Hemaris thysbe. The coloration is best to differentiate the two as the snowberry clearwing is often confused for a bumblebee. The western Rocky Mountain Clearwing, Hermaris thetis, is similar to the snowberry, but the ranges are separate.

A bumblebee mimic with wing position as one way to differentiate.

The adults feed on nectar of a variety of plants including bluebells, verbena, lantana, lilac, thistles, and bee balms whereas the caterpillars are more restricted to snowberry, honeysuckle, dogbane, and members of the rose family. The cocoons of this genus are found within the leaf litter on the ground with two broods per year. Adults are found flying from March to September in the south, but with a shorter season in the north.