Snowberry Clearwing
Hemaris diffinis (Boisduval, 1836)
Family: Sphingidae
Status: Common resident
Larval Hostplant(s): Snowberry (Symphoricarpos) and Dogbane (Apocynum) are likely the most frequently utilized host plants in our area.
Range: Found throughout the United States with the exception of the Pacific Northwest. Encountered less frequently west of the Rocky Mountains.
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: Double brooded in most of its range.
Habitat: Open areas, stream sides, shrubby prairies.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 2 Inches
Found at: Box Elder WMA, Fontenelle Forest, Gilbert-Baker WMA, Happy Jack Chalk Mine, Homestead National Monument, Indian Cave SP, Niobrara Valley Preserve, Rowe Sanctuary, Wildcat Hills SRA, Willow Creek SRA.
Overwintering: As pupa in leaf litter on the soil surface.
Similar Species: This species greatly outnumbers the Hummingbird Clearwing which is also found in our area. Legs on the Snowberry Clearwing are black (white in the Hummingbird Sphinx. Wing differences (click the link) also separate the two. In addition, the Snowberry Clearwing has a dark band on the thorax extending from the eye to the base of the legs (see photo above) which the Hummingbird Clearwing lacks.
Notes:
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net
