
Community identification
Snowberry Clearwing
Hemaris diffinis
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera, Sphingidae
- Size
- Wingspan of 3.8 to 5.0 cm (1.5 to 2.0 inches)
Natural Habitat
Gardens, open woods, meadows, and areas where host plants like honeysuckle, snowberry, and viburnum are found.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on nectar from flowers using a long proboscis. Caterpillars feed on the foliage of host plants such as honeysuckle, snowberry, and cherry.
Behavior Patterns
Diurnal (active during the day), often mistaken for a hummingbird or bumblebee due to its hovering flight and clear wings. It darts rapidly between flowers.
Risks & Benefits
Completely harmless to humans and acts as an effective pollinator for many garden and woodland flowers.