Hemaris

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Bombycoidea
Family: Sphingidae
Subfamily: Macroglossinae
Tribe: Dilophonotini
Genus: Hemaris

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hemaris: //hɛˈmɛˌrɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Hemaris is a genus of sphinx moths known as clearwing moths or hummingbird moths, native to the Holarctic. They are characterized by their hovering flight style and the transparent sections of their wings, which distinguishes them from similar species. They serve an important ecological role as pollinators.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are small, diurnal moths resembling bumblebees in shape. The forewings are fully scaled, although patches of scales can be lost during the first flight, resulting in glassy hyaline areas on each wing. They have clubbed antennae with a small recurved hook at the end and a large fan of setae at the end of the abdomen. Larvae are small, cylindrical, and covered in granules, often green, brown, or gray, featuring a distinctive pale dorsolateral stripe.

Identification Tips

Adults are identifiable by their hovering behavior and resemblance to bumblebees. To differentiate at species level, refer to individual species pages or field guides that outline specific markings and color variations.

Habitat

Widely distributed throughout North America, including the Arctic, favoring habitats that support their host plants, particularly in open fields and gardens.

Distribution

Holarctic, especially represented throughout North America and parts of Europe.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar from long-throated flowers, such as horse mint. Larvae feed on a variety of plants from families including Apocynaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Ericaceae, and Rosaceae.

Life Cycle

Eggs are small, spherical, and pale glossy green. Larvae develop on host plants, pupate in loosely spun cocoons, followed by emergence as diurnal adults.

Reproduction

The female genital opening is angled to the left, and the male genitalia are asymmetrical with a sclerotized uncus divided into two lobes.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinators for a variety of flowering plants due to their nectar-feeding habits.

Collecting Methods

Light traps
Netting during the day

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Preservation in ethanol

Similar Taxa

Macroglossum

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for hummingbirds due to their hovering behavior and size.