Fox Moth vs Hummingbird Clearwing Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fox Moth Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Scientific Name Macrothylacia rubi Hemaris thysbe
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lasiocampidae Sphingidae
Size Wingspan 50-65mm 38-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fox Moth

A richly colored russet-brown moth. The large hairy black caterpillar is commonly seen crossing paths in autumn.

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Did You Know?

The large dark caterpillar is one of the most commonly seen caterpillars in autumn as it searches for a hibernation site.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth

A day-flying sphinx moth with transparent wings bordered in reddish-brown that closely resembles a hummingbird. It hovers at flowers while feeding with its long proboscis.

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Did You Know?

Its wings are initially covered in scales when it emerges from its cocoon, but the scales fall off during its first flight, leaving them transparent.