Clearwing moths are fascinating insects known for their unique appearance and behavior. Belonging to the family Sphingidae, these moths often display a bumblebee-like appearance with their fuzzy bodies and distinct color patterns. For example, the Snowberry Clearwing has a fuzzy golden yellow body with black and yellow bands on its abdomen.
These remarkable insects are not only visually captivating, but they also exhibit intriguing flight patterns. Unlike many other moth species, Clearwing moths can be seen darting swiftly around flowers, resembling hummingbirds in their movements. Notable examples include the rust-and-chartreuse Hummingbird Moth and the black-and-yellow Snowberry Clearwing.
Some key features of Clearwing moths include:
- Protruding heads
- Large eyes
- Furry thorax
- Conical abdomen that extends beyond the hindwings during flight
- Bumblebee or hummingbird-like appearance and behavior
Their captivating look and fascinating flight patterns make Clearwing moths a well-loved species among nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Understanding Clearwing Moths
Hemaris and Sphingidae
Clearwing moths belong to the family Sphingidae. A specific group of these moths, known as Hummingbird Moths, belong to the genus Hemaris. They are called “Clear-winged Moths” because of the lack of scales on parts of their wings, which gives them a translucent appearance.
Features of Hemaris moths:
- Daytime activity
- Translucent wings
- Range extending through most of the U.S.
Lepidoptera and Day-Flying Moths
Clearwing moths are part of the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and other moths. What sets them apart from many other members of Lepidoptera is their daytime activity. Many clearwing moths, like those in the genus Hemaris, are day-flying.
Characteristics of day-flying moths:
- Protruding heads
- Large eyes
- Large, furry thorax
| Lepidoptera | Clearwing Moths |
|---|---|
| Butterflies/Moths | Subgroup of Moths |
| Mostly nocturnal | Often day-flying |
| Opaque wings | Translucent wings |
In conclusion, Clearwing moths are a fascinating subgroup of the Lepidoptera order. Their unique characteristics, including translucent wings and day-time habits, make them stand out among their relatives.
Physical Characteristics and Identifying Features
Size and Appearance
- Clearwing Moths belong to the Sphingidae family
- They have protruding heads and large eyes
Clearwing Moths are typically around 2 inches in wingspread. Their fuzzy bodies, often with black and yellow bands, resemble bumblebees, which is a clever mimicry to deter predators. Their abdomens extend beyond their hindwings when they fly, giving them a distinctive appearance.
Wings and Antennae
Wings:
- Clear, with dark scales on the edges
- Boundary between clear area and outer dark area can be smooth or ragged
Antennae:
- Long and feathery
- Sensitive to smells and vibrations
Proboscis and Behavior
The Clearwing Moth, also known as the Hawk Moth, has a long, flexible proboscis that they use to feed on nectar from flowers. This specialized mouthpart allows them to hover in front of flowers similar to a hummingbird, sipping nectar while in flight. Their antennae aid in finding food sources and detecting the presence of other Clearwing Moths.
Behavior:
- Hover in front of flowers to feed on nectar
- Attracted to particular types of flowers such as Snowberry and Hummingbird Clearwing
In summary, identifying features of the Clearwing Moth include their size, antennae, wings, and proboscis. By focusing on these characteristics, one can better understand and appreciate these unique creatures.
Major Clearwing Species
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
The Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemaris thysbe) is an interesting species due to its bee-like appearance. This moth has an olive to golden olive fuzzy body. Below, it is whitish in the front, and the abdomen is dark burgundy or blackish. It mimics a bumblebee and is slightly larger than the Snowberry Clearwing Moth.
Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Meanwhile, the Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis) is also a sphinx moth species. It has clear wings and a fuzzy, bee-like body. The dark scales on its wings are black, while the boundary between the clear area and outer dark area is smooth.
Here’s a comparison table highlighting their differences:
| Feature | Hummingbird Clearwing Moth | Snowberry Clearwing Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Species Name (scientific) | Hemaris thysbe | Hemaris diffinis |
| Leg and Body Color | Whitish, olive to golden | Black |
| Dark Scales on Wingscolor | Brown | Black |
| Wing Pattern | Ragged | Smooth |
Both moths go through the same stages of development:
- Larvae reach 1 to 1 1/2 inches long before maturing and have a dark brown head and a whitish to pink body.
- After maturing, they pupate and moths emerge. The empty, thin-walled, brownish pupal cases may protrude from bark or drop to the ground near the base of the tree.
These moths have specific characteristics:
- Both have clear wings and a fuzzy, bee-like body.
- Mimics bees or bumblebees for protection.
- Consume nectar from flowers as their primary food source.
- Beneficial to the ecosystem by pollinating plants.
- Attract attention due to their bright colors and unique appearances.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
From Eggs to Caterpillars
Clearwing Moths, belonging to the Sphingidae family, begin their life as eggs. Female moths lay an average of 40 to 50 eggs during a 2 to 3-week period. Once hatched, the caterpillars emerge and start feeding on nearby plants.
Larvae and Their Development
As the caterpillars grow, they go through several stages of development called instars. Each stage is marked by shedding their old skin to reveal a larger one underneath. Some characteristics of Clearwing Moth larvae include:
- Distinctive horn: Most larval stages have a signature horn at the end of their abdomen
- Varying color patterns: Different species of Clearwing Moths have distinct color patterns in their larval stage
During their development, caterpillars eat voraciously to fuel their growth. In some cases, this includes eating leaves and stems as a source of nutrients.
Pupation and Cocoon Formation
The final stage of the Clearwing Moth life cycle is pupation. Once fully grown, the caterpillar forms a cocoon in the soil or under plant debris. Inside the cocoon, the pupa transforms into an adult moth, completing the life cycle.
| Life Stage | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Egg stage | 2 to 3 weeks | Laid on plants; eggs hatch to caterpillars |
| Larval (instars) | Variable | Horn on abdomen, color patterns, shedding skin |
| Pupation | Variable | Form a cocoon in the soil or under plant debris |
| Adult moth | Short-lived | Mate, lay eggs, and complete the cycle |
In summary, the Clearwing Moth life cycle involves several distinct stages, from eggs to caterpillars, through larval development and finally, pupation, and cocoon formation. Each stage plays a crucial role in the survival and reproduction of these fascinating creatures.
Habitats and Distribution
North America
In North America, Clearwing Moths are commonly found across various regions. Their habitats include fields1, gardens2, and forests3. Some species like the Snowberry Clearwing have a bumblebee-like appearance4.
- Fields: Abundant in wildflowers.
- Gardens: Feed on nectar from flowering plants.
- Forests: Larvae feed on tree bark.
England
In England, Clearwing Moths also inhabit diverse areas5. Woodlands, grasslands, and gardens are common habitats. The species tends to lay eggs on host plants, such as plum and apple trees6.
- Woodlands: Provide shelter and feeding opportunities.
- Grasslands: Offer a variety of host plants.
- Gardens: Attract moths with flowering plants.
Other Regions
Clearwing Moths can be found in different regions as well7. They spread across Europe, Asia, and even some parts of Africa8.
- Europe: Adaptable to various climates.
- Asia: Prefers subtropical and temperate regions.
- Africa: Tends to be limited to North African areas.
Comparison of Habitats
| Region | Fields | Gardens | Woodlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | ✓ | ✓ | |
| England | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Other Regions | ✓ |
Diet and Host Plants
Flowers and Nectar
Clearwing moths, like other moth species, are important pollinators. They typically feed on nectar from various flowers, including honeysuckle and those of the rose family. At night, they’re attracted to pale or white flowers with strong fragrances and abundant nectar1. Below are some flowers that Clearwing moths visit:
- Honeysuckle
- Hawthorn
- Dogbane
Caterpillars and Leaves
Clearwing moth caterpillars have a different diet compared to their adult counterparts. They primarily feed on the leaves of host plants3. Here are some examples of host plants:
- Oak
- Maple
- Apple
| Clearwing Moth Life Stage | Diet |
|---|---|
| Adult | Nectar from various flowers |
| Caterpillar | Leaves from host plants |
To summarize:
- Clearwing moths feed on flower nectar as adults and help pollinate various plant species.
- Caterpillars consume leaves of host plants, which can include oak, maple, and apple trees.
Relationships with Other Species
Hummingbirds and Butterflies
Clearwing moths share similarities with hummingbirds and butterflies. They are often mistaken for these creatures due to their appearance and behavior. For instance:
- Hummingbird Moth and Hummingbird Clearwing are names given to moths with a hovering flight pattern, much like hummingbirds.
- Some Clearwing Moths are similar to butterflies in appearance and daytime habits.
Urban Dictionary
Clearwing Moths are also known by various common names, which can sometimes be found on platforms like Urban Dictionary:
- Hummingbird Moths, reflecting their hovering behavior and resemblance to hummingbirds.
- Sphinx Moth Family, referring to the moth family Sphingidae, which includes Clearwing Moths.
Sphinx Moth Family
Clearwing moths belong to the Sphinx Moth Family (Sphingidae). Some characteristics of this family include:
- Large eyes and a protruding head.
- A furry thorax and a conical abdomen.
- Active during the day and at night (depending on the species).
Comparing Clearwing Moths to other Sphinx Moths:
| Feature | Clearwing Moths | Other Sphinx Moths |
|---|---|---|
| Wings | Transparent areas | Mostly opaque |
| Flight pattern | Hovering; similar to hummingbirds | Typically fast and strong |
| Activity time | Primarily daytime | Daytime and nighttime |
In summary, Clearwing Moths have fascinating relationships with other species in terms of appearance, behavior, and family classification. They resemble and behave like hummingbirds and butterflies, have various common names, and share characteristics with the Sphinx Moth Family.
Threats and Conservation
Clearwing moths are known to cause damage to various plants. Some of the most impacted species include shade trees and shrubs1. The damage is caused primarily by the clearwing moth larvae, which can grow to be 1 to 1 1/2 inches long2.
Larvae tunnel under the bark of trees and shrubs3, making them nearly impossible to reach with most insecticides. This can cause major issues in maintaining the health of affected plants.
Several efforts can help limit the impact of clearwing moths on plants:
- Early detection: Inspect your trees and shrubs for signs of clearwing moth infestations.
- Prevention methods: Pheromone traps can be set up to monitor and control clearwing moth populations4.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with local USDA offices or state agriculture departments to report sightings and control efforts5.
Using these proactive steps, we can better protect our plants from the threat of clearwing moths.
Footnotes
- https://uwm.edu/field-station/clearwing-moth/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7477.html ↩ ↩2
- https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/snowberry-clearwing ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/snowberry-clearwing ↩ ↩2
- https://www.britishlogcabins.com/clearwing-moth ↩ ↩2
- https://www.britishlogcabins.com/clearwing-moth ↩
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/clearwing-moth ↩
- https://www.bioone.org/clearwing-moth ↩
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31 Comments. Leave new
What beautiful photos of this delicate little moth.
you know,
we were just asking for a name for classification so next time do the world a favor and dont be rude and tell us how to use google, just tell us the name, if we wanted to know by using google we would’ve used it OK?
Shiloh Spint, the oldest daughter.
We could not for the life of us recall ever making a rude comment to a request for a Clearwing Butterfly identification. We searched the original posting from 2006, and still had trouble finding rudeness in the response since an identification was made and a response was given. Since our benign response elicited this chastisement after three years, we cannot just let this pass. If you thought that response was rude, Shiloh eldest daughter, you had better sequester yourself away from the world and stay off the internet since you will have a difficult time when you encounter real rudeness.
Bugman,
Im really sorry for the outburst i really am but my mom was a little upset after searching and searching for the species just for you to say that you googled it,
you guys really do good work and we love ya’lls website but i guess it was just the way it sounded from our perspective.
sorry again,
Shiloh
Hi Shilo,
Thanks for the explanation, but that inquiry was over 3 1/2 years old. Whenever we post something to the website, we also email the person who inquired directly. Sometimes because of blocked accounts, our responses do not arrive. Did your mother receive the original response thee and a half years ago? The answer also included the genus name and a link to more information.
This is Synanthedon novaroensis. The common name is the Douglas Fir Pitch Moth. It has been recorded attacking various species of spruce and pine. This moth is found from Alaska to California and east to Montana.
This is Albuna fraxini. The larvae feed on Virginia creeper.
This is Albuna pyramidalis, the fireweed borer.
Hi, Ferd!
I just saw these for the first time this summer, once on a flower I was trying to put in the car at the garden center, and the little guy didn’t want to leave it alone :). I finally got away with flower, sans bug. However, I’ve now seen these visiting my own flower garden on several occasions.
I’m glad I’ve now got photo confirmation (your photo is exactly the species I’ve seen), because when I tried to describe this critter to a friend, he asked what I’d been smoking! 😀
Dear G Fischer and webmaster,
No, this is not Pseudohaetera hypaesia (that has much bolder and brown rather than black submarginal hindwing markings). It is a species of Cithaerias, probably Cithaerias andromeda, also known as C. philis.
Peter Bruce-Jones
We wish you had provided links for this correction.
Many of the quality references I use for butterflies are books and not web-based. However, for Cithaerias philis see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/83287919@N00/3639415743/, and for both another form of C. andromeda and Pseudohaetera hypaesia go to http://www.neotropicalbutterflies.com/Site Revision/Pages/FamilyLists/NymphalidSubFamilyListBN/Satyrinae_Satyrs.html#haeterini. I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Peter
thanks for the update.
This is the rhododendron borer – Synanthedon rhododendri.
Thanks so much for the identification. We have updated the posting with a few links.
Just spotted on of these here in NH on July 27 2013. I thought it was a bumblebee that was dead then I realized it was a moth and was feed on the flowers. Pretty cool this moth look like a bumblebee.
We just spotted one here in Ash Grove Missouri.
Looks like Acronicta clarescens to me.
Thanks for the assistance. We agree that this looks like a Clear Dagger Moth Caterpillar as pictured on BugGuide.
It is Cithaerias andromeda andromeda
Thanks. We will look for a link to an image online.
The butterfly from Eeastern Ecuador is a female of Haetera piera (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)
Thanks so much for the identification of this seven year old posting. We are linking to the Butterflies of Amazonia.
Beautiful
Spotted this species at the Bristol-Myers Squibb manufacturing plant in Mt. Vernon, Indiana on July 7, 2015
Thought the cicadia wasp I saw two years ago (thought we had been invaded by killer wasps from Japan) or the Texas Toe Pincher invasion we saw 5 years ago was wild but this little bumblebee moth had me starring for a good 20 minutes to figure out it wasn’t a local bumble bee but a moth in disquise. Too Cool !! Aren’t bugs great!!
we just got a video of one on my phone in my flowerbed sanctuary. We had no idea if this was a hummingbird/bee/insect, so we took a good quality close up video of it. We are in Stockport, Ohio
It’s a amata mogadorensis I breed them lovely little species
Regards Steve
Are you able to provide a way to distinguish Amata mogadorensis from Amata cerbera? They look quite similar.
It’s a amata mogadorensis I breed them lovely little species
Regards Steve
I just observed one of these moths on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, in Northern California. I have never seen one before in these parts.