Snowberry Clearwing vs Rustic Soldier Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snowberry Clearwing | Rustic Soldier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemaris diffinis | Cantharis rustica |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Cantharidae |
| Size | 32-50 mm wingspan | 11-15 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| 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.
Rustic Soldier Beetle
A common European soldier beetle with dark elytra and an orange-red pronotum marked with a black spot. It is an active predator on flower heads.
Did You Know?
The dark heart-shaped mark on its pronotum is a reliable identification feature across its range.