Subject: Flying, attracted to my petunias
Geographic location of the bug: Danbury, CT
Date: 07/20/2018
Time: 12:18 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I say this one flying around the petunias , landing and looked to be feeding. It’s about 1” long. It’s wings are swept back like a fighter plane an triangular.
How you want your letter signed: Charlie
Dear Charlie,
In a very general way, and perhaps that is enough of an identification for you, this is a diurnal Sphinx Moth, meaning it flies during the day and it is a member of the Sphinx Moth or Hawkmoth family Sphingiidae. We can also tell you that it is in the genus Hemaris, and that there are three species known to range in your area. Our best guess is that this is the Hummingbird Clearwing, Hemaris thysbe.
Thanks a lot! Yes, it is enough of an identification. I appreciate the quick reply.
Charlie