Hummingbird Clearwing Moth

Description:

Hummingbird clearwing moths are hummingbird mimics, hence the name. The thorax is olive to golden-olive in color dorsally, yellow ventrally; abdomen is dark burgundy (sometimes almost black) both dorsally and ventrally, with light olive to dark golden patches dorsally. Wings mostly clear with reddish brown terminal borders and dark scaling along veins. These are diurnal moths, hovering at flowers to drink nectar. Common flowers include Japanese honeysuckle, beebalm, red clover, lilac, phlox, snowberry, cranberry, blueberry, vetch, and thistles.

Habitat:

Eastern North America - south to Florida & northwest North America south to Oregon. Open and second-growth habitats, gardens, and suburbs. Flight: April - August in the north, March - October in the south. Host Plants: Honeysuckle (Lonicera), snowberry (Symphoricarpos), hawthorns (Crataegus), cherries and plums (Prunus), and European cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus).