Clearwing MothsClearwing Moths
There is a group of daytime flying moths referred to as Hummingbird moths. These moths are members of the Sphinx or Hawkmoth family. Included in this unique group are the Whitelined Sphinx, the Snowberry Clearwing, the Slender Clearwing and the Hummingbird moth. The term clearwing means exactly that......their wings are primarily a clear membrane like bees, wasps or flies. Only the out edge portion of their wings are covered with scales.
There are three predominant members in this group being the Snowberry, the Slender and the Hummingbird Clearwings. Of the three, the Hummingbird Clearwing is the largest having a body length of 3 to 3.5 cm and a wingspan of 5 cm. These moths feed on low Blueberry, Snowberry, Honeysuckle, Dogbane and Hawthorn. Flight action is similar to that of a Hummingbird in that they have the ability to hover and while feeding extend their proboscis for the purpose of gathering nectar. This further confuses novices as the uncoiled proboscis gives the impression of a beak. Definitely an intriguing sight for the unfamiliar, particularly when observed for the first time.
I have received many emails asking me what this peculiar Hummingbird like insect might be? Well now you have it........a Clearwing moth. You can find these moths on the wing in our area from May 'til early September. And by the way, these moths are generally oblivious to human activity allowing for intimate encounters and wonderful in flight photo opportunities as seen in the photo above.
