Hummingbird Clearwing Moth vs Box Tree Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Box Tree Moth
Scientific Name Hemaris thysbe Cydalima perspectalis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Crambidae
Size 38-50 mm wingspan 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states Native to East Asia; invasive in Europe and North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Box Tree Moth

A white moth with iridescent brown wing borders that has become one of Europe's most destructive invasive species. Its caterpillars can completely defoliate ornamental boxwood hedges.

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Did You Know?

Since arriving in Europe around 2007, it has devastated centuries-old boxwood gardens across the continent.