Alternate name: Hummingbird Moth

Family: Sphingidae, Sphinx Moths view all from this family

Description 1 1/2 - 2" (37-50mm). Quite variable, both geographically and seasonally. Wings basically clear, with dark veins, bases, and edges. Thorax golden-brown to dark greenish-brown. Abdomen dark with 1-2 yellow segments just before the terminal end.

Similar Species The four North American species of clearwing moths are very similar. The most widespread and common, along with the present species, is the Hummingbird Moth (Hemaris thysbe) which has wider dark borders on its wings.

Life Cycle Caterpillar pale green on back, darker green on sides, with numerous white flecks. Horn bright yellow at base and blue-black at the tip. Pale blue-ringed spiracles along side of body very evident. Pupa 1" and brown. Pupates in cocoon on the ground. Host plants include Snowberry, Coralberry, viburnums, Blue Dogbane. Pupates in cocoon on the ground .

Flight Two broods, March-Sept. depending upon latitude

Habitat Forest edges, meadows, gardens, brushy fields.

Range British Columbia to Nova Scotia and south through the U.S.

Discussion Flies by day. Hovers on rapidly beating wings at garden flowers; often mistaken for small hummingbird or large bee. Very interestingly, this species has all dark wings after emerging from the pupa. The transparent patches appear after the moth has flown for a while, dislodging the appropriate scales with its rapid flight.