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Hummingbird Clearwing

Hemaris thysbe

The Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Hemaris thysbe, is a fascinating insect found throughout North America. With a wingspan of up to 50 mm, this moth is easily recognized for its unique appearance and hovering flight pattern, which often leads to it being mistaken for a hummingbird.

The clear wings of the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, coupled with its furry body, give it a distinctive shimmer as it feeds on nectar from flowers. As a pollinator, this moth plays a vital role in maintaining the health and diversity of many plant species. Its ability to hover in place and extract nectar with its long proboscis makes it an efficient pollinator, and a welcome sight in any garden or wildflower meadow.

Habitat
open woodlands, fields, gardens, meadows, places with flowering plants
Scientific Name
Hemaris thysbe
Status
Common
Wing Span
35mm to 50mm
General Size
Average
Wing Color
red
red
white
white
Marking's Color
green
green
yellow
yellow
white
white
Markings Pattern
Color Patches

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. Translucent patch on forewing, edges of patch are jagged/not smooth

  2. Reddish wing color and lower half

  3. Olive/golden olive thorax

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.