
Community identification
Snowberry Clearwing
Hemaris diffinis
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera, Sphingidae
- Size
- Wingspan of 38-50 mm
Natural Habitat
Gardens, meadows, and open wooded areas where nectar plants are abundant
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on flower nectar using a long proboscis; larvae feed on the foliage of plants such as honeysuckle, snowberry, and dogbane
Behavior Patterns
Diurnal moths that mimic bumblebees in appearance and flight; hover in front of flowers to feed much like hummingbirds
Risks & Benefits
Completely harmless to humans; serve as beneficial pollinators for various garden and wild plants