Fauna
Insect

Hummingbird Clearwing

Hemaris thysbe

Also known as Common Clearwing, Hummingbird Moth

Hummingbird clearwings are striking diurnal hawkmoths that dart effortlessly between blossoms, hovering in place while extending a long proboscis to drink nectar. Their transparent wing panels and olive-green thorax give them a remarkable resemblance to tiny ruby-throated hummingbirds. Hornworm caterpillars feed on plants like honeysuckle and viburnum before spinning loose cocoons among leaf litter to overwinter.

DiurnalPollinatorMimic
Hummingbird Clearwing reference1 / 7
(c) Matthew Lindsey, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyNectar from bee balm, Nectar from phlox, Nectar from verbena
Predators
  • Birds
  • Spiders
  • Praying Mantises
ThreatsPesticide use, habitat loss
HabitatsGardens, meadows, forest edges, open woodlands
Life spanUp to 7 months; adults live 2–3 weeks
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilySphingidae
  3. GenusHemaris
  4. SpeciesHemaris thysbe
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Garden Plants: Plant native bee balm, phlox, and verbena to attract feeding adults during sunny afternoons.
  • Photography: Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000 second to freeze their rapidly beating wings.
  • Leaf Litter: Leave fallen garden leaves intact over winter to protect pupae cocooned on the ground.
Related species
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Found in Collections

Species set

Moonlight Marvels

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