Hummingbird Clearwing Moth vs Comb-horned Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Comb-horned Crane Fly
Scientific Name Hemaris thysbe Ctenophora ornata
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Sphingidae Tipulidae
Size 38-50 mm wingspan 15-25 mm body length
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states Europe
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.

Comb-horned Crane Fly

A striking wasp-mimicking crane fly with yellow and black abdominal bands. Males have elaborate comb-like antennae used to detect female pheromones.

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Did You Know?

Its presence indicates ancient woodland because larvae require large-diameter decaying logs.