Rocky Mountain Clearwing
Common NameRocky Mountain Clearwing
Scientific NameHemaris thetis
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patterntransparent
Primary Colorsyellow, black, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, forest edges, subalpine areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada
Host Plantshoneysuckle, snowberry
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are green with a caudal horn, typical of hawk-moth caterpillars, and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for its transparent wings, fuzzy yellow and black banded body, and the prominent black anal tuft. Its hummingbird-like flight and appearance often lead to confusion with bees or hummingbirds.
Description
This bee-mimicking moth has a fuzzy, stout body with prominent yellow and black banding, transparent wings with dark veins, and a distinctive black tuft at the end of its abdomen.
