About 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.
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.
How to Identify Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Adults typically measure 38-50 mm wingspan.
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Habitat
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Diet and Feeding
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Found?
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth can be found in Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Hummingbird Clearwing Moth can be found
Is Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Dangerous?
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth Role in Nature
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
What does Hummingbird Clearwing Moth look like?
The Hummingbird Clearwing Moth typically measures 38-50 mm wingspan.
Where is Hummingbird Clearwing Moth found?
The Hummingbird Clearwing Moth is found in Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Hummingbird Clearwing Moth eat?
The Hummingbird Clearwing Moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Hummingbird Clearwing Moth dangerous to humans?
The Hummingbird Clearwing Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Hummingbird Clearwing Moth?
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.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/hummingbird-clearwing-moth
MLA:
"Hummingbird Clearwing Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/hummingbird-clearwing-moth.