Hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe)
The common name of this member of the sphinx moth family is no mystery. As it hovers over flowers, the rapidly beating clear wings and long beak-like proboscis can trick an observer into thinking, “Wait–was that a hummingbird?” Other shared traits are the olive-green color of its back and soft buzzing sound –so don’t feel too bad if you’ve been fooled!
The diet of hummingbird clearwing larvae is varied, with host plants including everything from numerous species of Viburnum to Prunus species such as cherries and plums. Like hummingbirds,, adults happily sip nectar from flowers with deep tubular blossoms, such as wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa, pictured).
Hummingbird clearwings are active during the day, but may be easiest to spot at dusk and dawn, as we relax on porch or patio and are more likely to see (and hear) their darting flight. Like other moths, they’re crucial pollinators of plants that bloom at twilight, which might be missed by butterflies and bees. Provide plenty of deep-blossomed natives and be on the lookout as the sun sets!
