Insect · GBIF taxon 1861851
Hummingbird Clearwing
Hemaris thysbeAlso known as Common Clearwing, Hummingbird Moth, Clearwing Hawkmoth
Darting among sunny flower patches from spring through late summer, hummingbird clearwings are master mimics that hover in mid-air while extending a long proboscis deep into blossoms. Unlike avian hummingbirds, these day-flying hawkmoths feature transparent wing panels framed in rich mahogany and sport a plush olive-green torso. Females deposit pale green eggs on host plants like honeysuckle and viburnum, where hornworm caterpillars feed before pupating in leaf litter on the forest floor.
DiurnalPollinatorMimic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Nectar from bee balm
- Nectar from phlox
- Nectar from verbena
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Praying Mantises
ThreatsPesticide use, habitat fragmentation, and removal of leaf litter housing pupae
HabitatsGardens, open meadows, forest edges, suburban yards, and brushy fields
Life span7 to 8 months including winter pupation; adults live 2 to 3 weeks
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySphingidae
- SpeciesHemaris thysbe
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Plant Native Nectar: Grow phlox, bee balm, and butterfly bush in full sun to attract foraging adults.
- Observe Quietly: Approach slowly without casting a shadow, as sudden light shifts prompt them to dart away.
- Leave Winter Leaf Litter: Allow fallen leaves to remain under shrubs where pupae overwinter in thin cocoons.
Ecological Model jeffreyw / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Host Plant Close Relative 
Family Relative (c) Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋） · cc-by
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