Hummingbird Sphinx
Hemaris thysbe (Fabricius, 1775)
Family: Sphingidae
Status: Uncommon resident
Larval Hostplant(s): Snowberry (Symphoricarpos), Cherries and plums (Prunus), and some Viburnums
Range: Absent from the American southwest but otherwise found throughout the United States. More abundant east of the Mississippi River.
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: Double brooded in the south but likely there is but one (albeit extended) brood here.
Habitat: Shrubby prairies.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/2 – 2 1/4 Inches
Found at: Fontenelle Forest.
Overwintering: As pupa in leaf litter on the soil surface.
Similar Species: This species is greatly outnumbered by the Snowberry Clearwing which is also found in our area. This species has white legs and no black band on the thorax from the eye to the base of the legs. The Snowberry Clearwing’s legs are black and the thorax has the black band described above.
Notes:
đź”—Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net.
