description Snowberry clearwing moth Overview
The snowberry clearwing, Hemaris diffinis, is a day-flying sphinx moth native to North America. Its largely transparent wings, stout yellow-and-black body, and hovering flight resemble a bumblebee, an example of protective mimicry; adults feed at flowers with a long proboscis. The caterpillars feed on plants in the honeysuckle family, including snowberry, coralberry, and honeysuckle, and the species occurs in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges.
insights Ranking position
Snowberry clearwing moth ranks #52 of 479 in the Moth ranking, behind Oak eggar, ahead of Garden tiger moth.
help Snowberry clearwing moth FAQ
What does the Snowberry clearwing moth look like?
The Snowberry clearwing moth (Hemaris diffinis) is a day-flying sphinx moth that closely mimics the appearance and flight pattern of a bumblebee. It features fuzzy yellow and black bodies, but unlike bees, it has clear, scaleless patches on its wings.
What do Snowberry clearwing moth caterpillars eat?
The larvae of the Snowberry clearwing moth primarily feed on host plants like snowberry, coralberry, and honeysuckle. Because they rely on these specific plants, adult females lay their eggs exclusively on these species.
Are Snowberry clearwing moths active at night?
No, the Snowberry clearwing moth is strictly a day-flying moth, making it an exception among most nocturnal moth species. You can often spot them hovering over flowers in the daytime, sipping nectar with their long proboscis much like a hummingbird.
Where can I find the Snowberry clearwing moth in North America?
The Snowberry clearwing moth can be found across a wide range of North America, from Canada down through the United States. They thrive in habitats like gardens, woodlands, and meadows where honeysuckle and snowberry plants grow.
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