Hummingbird Clearwing Moth vs California Timema

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hummingbird Clearwing Moth California Timema
Scientific Name Hemaris thysbe Timema californicum
Order Lepidoptera Phasmatodea
Family Sphingidae Timematidae
Size 38-50 mm wingspan 1.5-2.5 cm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states United States (California)
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.

California Timema

A small green walking stick endemic to California. It is one of the most widespread Timema species on the Pacific coast.

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Did You Know?

The entire genus Timema is restricted to western North America and represents the most ancient lineage of living stick insects.