Snowberry Clearwing vs Postman Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snowberry Clearwing | Postman Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemaris diffinis | Heliconius melpomene |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 32-50 mm wingspan | Wingspan 55-80mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | South America, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Snowberry Clearwing
A bumblebee mimic with largely transparent wings bordered in dark brown, a fuzzy olive thorax, and black and yellow banding on the abdomen. It feeds while hovering at flowers.
Did You Know?
This moth is born with scales on its wings but they fall off during the first flight, leaving the characteristic clear windows.
Postman Butterfly
A slender long-winged butterfly with black wings and a bold red band across the forewings. It is a classic example of Mullerian mimicry.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few butterflies that can digest pollen as well as nectar giving it amino acids that extend its lifespan to several months.