description Hummingbird clearwing Overview
The hummingbird clearwing, Hemaris thysbe, is a day-flying North American hawk moth in the family Sphingidae. It has mostly transparent wings, an olive to golden thorax, and a reddish-brown abdomen, while its rapid wingbeats and hovering visits to flowers resemble the behavior of a hummingbird. Adults drink nectar with a long proboscis, and the caterpillars feed on woody plants including honeysuckle, viburnum, hawthorn, and cherry.
help Hummingbird clearwing FAQ
Is the hummingbird clearwing a moth or a butterfly?
It is a moth, Hemaris thysbe, in the hawk-moth family Sphingidae. Adults fly during the day and have mostly clear wings with reddish-brown borders, according to [Butterflies and Moths of North America](https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Hemaris-thysbe).
Why does the hummingbird clearwing look like a hummingbird?
Its rapid wingbeats, hovering flight, and long proboscis let it feed at flowers in a way that resembles a hummingbird. The adult has a furry olive-to-golden thorax, a reddish-brown abdomen, and a wingspan of roughly 4 to 5.5 cm.
Which plants do hummingbird clearwing caterpillars eat?
The larvae feed on shrubs and trees including honeysuckle, snowberry, hawthorn, cherry, plum, and Viburnum. Adults take nectar from flowers such as bee balm, red clover, lilac, phlox, thistles, and vetch.
When and where can I see a hummingbird clearwing?
Hemaris thysbe occurs across much of North America, from Alaska and the Northwest Territories through the Great Lakes and New England and south to Florida and Texas. Northern populations usually have one brood from April to August, while southern populations can have two broods, according to [Butterflies and Moths of North America](https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Hemaris-thysbe).
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