Snowberry Clearwing Moth


Snowberry Clearwing Moth – Hemaris diffinis

Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Snowberry Clearwing takes nectar at Monarda fistulosa

Hodges#7855  Family Sphingidae — hawk moths, hornworms, sphinx moths. Live adult moths photographed in the wild at Winfield, Illinois, USA.

I love these moths – they are as much fun to watch as hummingbirds. They don’t sting or bite or crawl around on poop or carrion.

I was in great luck to find this mated pair, these moths do not normally hold still for anything.

These large hawk moths are diurnal, that is, active during the day; they are most often seen nectaring at flowers.

Snowberry clearwing moth
Male Snowberry Clearwing Moth holds his front legs folded alongside his head, much as brushfoot butterflies and other insects.

Snowberry Clearwing Moth wings

Clear discal cell of forewing is one diagnostic of Hemaris diffinis

Wing detail photo shows the completely clear discal cell at the leading edge of the forewing.

Adult sphinx moths are medium to large moths with wingspans ranging from about 1.25 inches to 4.75 inches. The snowberry clearwing is one of the smallest moths in this group, while the five-spotted hawk moth is one of the largest.

Hummingbird Clearwing See also Hummingbird Clearwing

Sphinx moths are often mistaken for hummingbirds and bumblebees because of their similarities in size, foraging behavior and coloration.

Reference: Bugguide.net Snowberry Clearwing Moth

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