What a nice breeze on this morning’s walk. We saw a bumblebee on nightshade and then I spotted Hemaris diffinis (a moth) further into the woods next to a patch of Coralberry. I was excited to see it sitting still! Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) is a host plant of the Snowberry Clearwing! On first glance when you see one on a flower it is easily mistaken for a bumblebee.
Such a learning experience to see it change. I had wondered at first if was not something different. It would be interesting to know why the scales turned transparent.
Suzanne, a different idea popped into my head about the “translucent” scales. Maybe instead they just fell off. Look closely at the last wing photo and there are little specks of white on the clear wing part. Could this be the scales attachment point? I will try to find some scales at the bottom of my jar. I will let you know what I find.
This is one of my favorite moths. I got to watch one laying eggs on my coral honeysuckle years ago. The caterpillars are really cool looking. I included it in my caterpillar gardening with native plants talk. Many people don’t like moths but they are missing out on a lot of neat ones if they dismiss them. So glad for you to find it at that stage so you could observe and share!!!
Kathy and Judy,
People really are missing out. There are so many more moths than butterflies and there are so many beautiful ones if people just looked. And the moths are such an important pollinator too! Guess the moths just get a bad rap like snakes, eh.
Amazing photos!
Thank you!
Mary. The Clear wing photos were amazing. Thanks for all the info.
You are welcome!
The Snowberry Clearwing is my VERY FAVORITE invertebrate!! I’m thrilled you were able to capture this whole photo set! Saving!
Such a learning experience to see it change. I had wondered at first if was not something different. It would be interesting to know why the scales turned transparent.
Suzanne, a different idea popped into my head about the “translucent” scales. Maybe instead they just fell off. Look closely at the last wing photo and there are little specks of white on the clear wing part. Could this be the scales attachment point? I will try to find some scales at the bottom of my jar. I will let you know what I find.
I bet you’re right. Keep me posted.
This is one of my favorite moths. I got to watch one laying eggs on my coral honeysuckle years ago. The caterpillars are really cool looking. I included it in my caterpillar gardening with native plants talk. Many people don’t like moths but they are missing out on a lot of neat ones if they dismiss them. So glad for you to find it at that stage so you could observe and share!!!
Youre right Kathy. Moths are just as beautiful as butterflies.
Kathy and Judy,
People really are missing out. There are so many more moths than butterflies and there are so many beautiful ones if people just looked. And the moths are such an important pollinator too! Guess the moths just get a bad rap like snakes, eh.
That is SO COOL!!