Humble Hummingbird Hawkmoth
Common NameHumble Hummingbird Hawkmoth
Scientific NameHemaris diffinis
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterntransparent
Primary Colorsolive green, tan, dark brown, transparent
HabitatMeadows, gardens, open woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeNorth America (eastern and central United States, southern Canada)
Host Plantshoneysuckle, dogbane, snowberry, dwarf bush honeysuckle
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylehovering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green with pale stripes and a caudal horn, feeding on host plants before pupating in a cocoon in leaf litter or shallow soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its clear wings with dark brown margins, fuzzy olive-green thorax, and a tan abdomen with dark bands and a prominent dark 'tail' tuft. Often mistaken for a hummingbird due to its hovering flight.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a fuzzy, olive-green thorax and a tan abdomen banded with dark brown, featuring mostly transparent wings with dark brown borders and veins.
