Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
Hemaris thysbe
Sphingidae
The day-flying moth that gets mistaken for a hummingbird. Fuzzy olive-and-burgundy body, transparent wings the size of a hummingbird's, and it hovers at flowers the same way — audible buzz and all. Most people never realize they're looking at a moth.
How to spot one.
1.5–2 inch wingspan (much smaller than a hummingbird)
Clear wings with narrow burgundy borders
Olive-green thorax, burgundy abdomen with white sides
Hovers, does not perch on flowers
Audible whirring buzz
How it lives.
Diurnal — flies in daylight, unlike most moths. Long proboscis reaches deep into tubular flowers. Caterpillars feed on viburnums, honeysuckles, and hawthorns.
The spec sheet.
- Type
- Moth
- Active
- May – September
- Native to NJ
- Yes
- Conservation status
- stable
- Family
- Sphingidae
What it needs.
Plants this species visits, feeds on, or depends on. Names in hydrangea link to the plant’s Field Guide entry.
Nectar source
Phlox
Nectar source
Larval host
Native honeysuckles
Nectar source
Nectar source
Mass Audubon · Xerces Society · Butterflies and Moths of North America
Others in this group.
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Luna Moth
Actias luna
The pale green giant. Wingspan the size of a coffee mug, wings shaped like something a botanist drew for a spring calendar. Adults live only about a w…
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Cecropia Moth
Hyalophora cecropia
The largest native moth in North America — a wingspan up to six inches, warm chestnut-brown wings with cream crescents and a rose-red base. Adults don…
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White-lined Sphinx Moth
Hyles lineata
The dusk hummingbird. A powerful, fast-flying sphinx moth that hovers at flowers at twilight and after dark, extending a proboscis longer than its bod…