A medium-sized moth that mimics a hummingbird — hovering at flowers with rapidly beating wings, drinking nectar with a long proboscis. Active during daylight, unlike most moths.

Also called: Hummingbird Moth, Hummingbird Clearwing

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeWingspan 4.0–5.5 cm (1.6–2.2 in)
Weight~0.3 g
LifespanAdults 2–4 weeks; 1–2 generations per year
OrderLepidoptera
FamilySphingidae

§ Encyclopedia

Hemaris thysbe, the hummingbird clearwing, is a moth of the family Sphingidae (hawkmoths). Coloration varies between individuals, but typically the moth is olive green and burgundy on its back, and white or yellow and burgundy on the underside. Its wings are transparent with a reddish-brown border. It has light-colored legs, which combined with the lack of striping on the underside is diagnostic. Beating its wings rapidly, H. thysbe hovers to collect nectar from a variety of flowers. The combination of its appearance and its behavior commonly leads to it being confused with a hummingbird or bumblebee.

Source: Wikipedia — Hemaris thysbe Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium moth with extensible long proboscis (held curled when not feeding); body olive-green to gold; wings translucent with clear "windows" surrounded by reddish-brown borders.

Similar species. Snowberry Clearwing (similar shape; black bands on body). White-lined Sphinx (different pattern; not clearwing). True hummingbirds (different wing structure; smaller body).

Voice. Wing buzz audible during flight.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: nectar from deep-throated flowers (bee balm, phlox, lilac, verbena, butterfly bush). Caterpillars: viburnums, honeysuckles, snowberry.

Behavior. Frequently mistaken for hummingbirds. Active during daylight hours (unlike most moths) — hovers in front of flowers, beating wings 70+ times per second, using a long extensible proboscis to drink nectar. Newly emerged moths have fully scaled wings; the clear "windows" develop as scales abrade off during first flights. Among the most beloved of all moth species due to its diurnal habits and approachable nature.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Gardens, meadows, woodland edges with flowers

§ Threats

Pesticide drift, garden monocultures lacking nectar sources, light pollution disrupting host plant searches.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the hummingbird clearwing is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native nectar flowers (bee balm, phlox). Skip pesticides. Maintain native viburnum (host plant).

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Butterflies and Moths of North America
  • iNaturalist
  • BugGuide