HOST PLANTS: Honeysuckle vine (Lonicera) and bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), which we grow. Most of our photos were taken with my cell phone. Sami cynthia (a large silkmoth), Daraspa choerlius (a sphinx moth), and Hemaris thisbe (the Hummingbird Clearwing moth) are all known to host on Viburnums during their caterpillar phase, and overwinter in the leaf litter. But as I would come to learn long after planting our coral honeysuckle more than a decade ago, the vine isn’t just a nectar and fruiting plant for pollinators and birds; it also feeds the caterpillars of the snowberry clearwing moth and the spring azure butterfly. Those fuzzy antennae! Bumblebee Moth or Snowberry Clearwing, Hemaris sp. ), Wichita State University: Ninnescah Life: Snowberry Clearwing or Bumble Moth (Hemaris Diffinis), Butterflies and Moths of North America: Attributes of Hemaris Diffinis, Missouri Botanical Garden: Diervilla “Copper”. Spreading dogbane (A. androsaemifolium) grows to a similar height in USDA zones 3b to 9b with oval leaves and clusters of small pink flowers in the summer. Another interpretation ties this Genus to the story of Pyramus and Thisbe; two ill-fated lovers who tragically kill themselves when they believe the other is dead, thus spilling their hema, the Greek word for “blood.” The blood-red scales present on the wings of Hemaris species is thought to be the connecting reason for the name. Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added every day. Host to spring azures and hummingbird clearwing moths. Throughout the growing season Viburnums can host an array of leopidoptera – butterflies and moths – including the Holly Blue Butterfly (Celastrina argiolus). This moth is sometimes called "hummingbird moth" or "flying lobster". Turning over these leaves uncovers tiny first instar clearwing caterpillars - … Dwarf bush honeysuckle is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. Also, dogbane (Apocynum), and snowberry (Symphoricarpos), of course, but we don’t have any of these. Host plants are those that are favored food items of caterpillars. This species is a bumblebee mimic, and is recognizable by the band of black across the eyes and down the sides, and tufts of blue along the abdominal black patch. There are several flowers you can plant to lure them in, especially butterfly bush, sweet rocket, and phlox. Hummingbird moths like the snowberry clearwing are members of the sphinx moth family. The leaves are large, Datasheet Type(s): Host Plant, Exclude from ISC. We have both. They are both widespread throughout North America, with the former perhaps being more abundant in the west and the latter in the east. Article from restoringthelandscape.com. This moth should not be confused with the hummingbird hawk-moth of Europe. Yup! Fresh adults will have a beautiful olive-green cast; this older individual is missing part of its right outer wing margin. Include snowberry in your mixed hedges and among your bird berry patch! Want to attract Hummingbird Clearwing moths to your backyard? Moths in genus Hemaris are known collectively as clearwing moths or hummingbird moths in the US and Canada and bee hawk-moths in Britain. are used as host plants for hummingbird moths and grow in USDA zones 1 through 10. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a shrub or small tree that grows up to six meters tall. These caterpillars characteristically raise the front part of their bodies up when disturbed, giving them a sphinxlike appearance, thus the name. A member of the Pea Family, this little plant is easy super easy to grow, and in fact will even self-sow its seeds meaning all you have to do is give it the space to do its thing. Unlike many moths, it is a day-time flyer and can be a frequent visitor to gardens filled with an attractive selection of native plants. Walking along roadsides near meadows and gardens, we are starting to spot tiny irregular holes in the leaves of honeysuckle bushes. Most moths show up a little later than bedtime for little ones. Snowberry bushes (Symphoricarpos spp.) Hagen's sphinx is also called Osage orange sphinx for its larval food plant. Reannan Raine worked for 30 years in the non-profit sector in various positions. The snowberry clearwing takes its name from the snowberry plant, a deciduous shrub in the honeysuckle family. Hagen's or Osage Orange Sphinx Moth. H. diffinis (Snowberry Clearwing) has black legs, the legs of H. thysbe (Hummingbird Clearwing) are off white to reddish, H. gracilis (Slender Clearwing) does have more maroon colored legs than H. thysbe, but the best character to diagnose H. gracilis is a reddish-brown patch along the side of the thorax where the legs meet the thorax, that coloration carries over into the legs. Avoid pruning in summer or you won’t have any berries. Includes Southern arrow-wood (V. dentatum), possumhaw (V. nudum), and black-haw (V. prunifolium). Most moths show up a little later than bedtime for little ones. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP). ), which is one of its preferred larval host plants. Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it? The snowberry clearwing will, however, also use dogbane and honeysuckle as caterpillar hosts. Plants. Shown: A snowberry clearwing moth caterpillar ( Hemaris diffinis ) feeding on a honeysuckle vine ( Lonicera sempervirens ), one of several larval host plants of this species They grow to 35 feet tall, producing white flowers in winter or spring followed by small black cherries. These trees are generally hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, although this varies depending on the species. Winter or bush honeysuckle (L. fragrantissima) is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 to 9. Dogbane (Apocynum spp.) There are several flowers you can plant to lure them in, especially butterfly bush, sweet rocket, and phlox. The snowberry, pictured here always has black legs. The snowberry clearwing hummingbird moth (H. diffinis) is the species most commonly found in Mediterranean climates in the western United States. Hagens_Osage_Orange_Sphinx_8-17-19.jpg . [Androsaemifolium x Cannabinum], North Carolina State University: Poisonous Plants of North Carolina: Apocymum Cannabinum, CalPoly San Luis Obispo: Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: SelecTree -- Tree Detail Record: Carolina Laurel Cherry, CalPoly San Luis Obispo: Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: SelecTree -- Tree Detail Record: Flatwoods Plum, CalPoly San Luis Obispo: Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: SelecTree -- Tree Detail Record: English Hawthorn, Missouri Botanical Garden: Symphoricarpos Albus, U.S. Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service: Plants Profile: Symphoricarpos Albus (L.) S.F. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a shrub or small tree that grows up to six meters tall. Additional known host species, which are found in Indiana, are listed in the following table. Hummingbird or bumblebee moths (Hemaris sp.) login or register to post comments. The sight of the plant itself is arresting, with its tall candelabra-like shape topped with purple pompoms of flowers instead of candle flames. Transparent wings with black veins are difficult to see when in motion, but they are not feathered. The “Clearwings” part is self-evident when you see the adult moth. ), and Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) being particularly favored. Adult moths feed upon nectar with Milkweeds (Aclepias spp. Hemaris diffinis, the snowberry clearwing, is … The Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) is a member of the vast Sphingidae family which are also known as sphinx moths or hawk moths. Hemaris diffinis, the snowberry clearwing, is a moth of the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Those beautiful wings. Includes common milkweek (A. syriaca), swamp milkweed (A. Hummingbird moths like the snowberry clearwing are members of the sphinx moth family. Shown: A snowberry clearwing moth caterpillar ( Hemaris diffinis ) feeding on a honeysuckle vine ( Lonicera sempervirens ), one of several larval host plants of this species Snowberry clearwing caterpillars can also be brown to dark maroon in color, and hummingbird clearwing caterpillars can turn coral to dark maroon late in development. The larva of the snowberry clearwing, like other sphinx moth caterpillars, has a pointed tail "horn." Explore. Snowberries are rated for USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 7. The Snowberry Clearing takes its name from Snowberry (Symphoricarposem spp. It grows to between 3 and 4 feet tall and produces cream, pink, purple or red tube-shaped flowers. Hemaris is a genus of sphinx moths in the subfamily Macroglossinae, which is native to the Holarctic. The snowberry clearwing takes its name from the snowberry plant, a deciduous shrub in the honeysuckle family. The snowberry clearwing has two broods per year and can be seen flying about our yards from spring through summer. We looked in the field guide and saw its host plants include chickweed and tomato plants. View taxon at iNaturalist. Moths in genus Hemaris are known collectively as clearwing moths or hummingbird moths in the US and Canada and bee hawk-moths in Britain. are used as host plants by hummingbird moths. The epic tragedy was redone by many including William ‎Shakespeare both in Romeo and Juliet and in A Midsummer Night's Dream, which included another ill-fated female named, Hermia. Coral or trumpet honeysuckle (L. sempervirens) is a twining vine that is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10. It is a trailing form of snowberry that grows to 2 feet tall and produces pink flowers. Flowers are visited by Monarda . I’m still trying to find out if Coralberry is host to Snowberry Clearwings. Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials — Butterfly Host Plants. We have both. are used as host plants for hummingbird moths and grow in USDA zones 1 through 10. Members of this family are strong fliers and many species in this genus resemble birds and bees. Contributed by Matthew Zito on 26 July, 2014 - 10:06am. Summer rolls along and the eggs hatch. Also, is the exotic invasive Amur honeysuckle on the menu? If you want to find hornworms, knowing the host plants is the first step. plants, found growing naturally throughout the United States, are members of the milkweed family. Links: View in Moth Photographers Group. Zone 4 to 9. Most of our photos were taken with my cell phone. If you want to find hornworms, knowing the host plants is the first step. Attractive Scarlet/orange with yellow inside tubular Flowers April to May, showy red fruits in late summer. ), and Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) being particularly favored. Copyright 2020 Indiana Nature LLC. It grows to between 3 and 6 feet tall, producing pink or white flowers in late spring and berries that ripen to white by autumn. The Black Swallowtail lays eggs on Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea), dill and fennel – members of the Apiaceae plant family. Moved from ID Request. Also excellent nectar plants. They tolerate a wide range of soil types, and while they prefer clay, they also grow well in sandy and rocky soils. Snowberry bushes (Symphoricarpos spp.) Host plants are snowberries, viburnums, and honeysuckle. This sphinx moth mimics a bumblebee: The body is fuzzy golden yellow, … The variety that I’m the most familiar with is the Snowberry Clearwing Moth. Additional known host species, which are found in Indiana, are listed in the following table. Ms. Raine is hoping to have her first novel published soon. Clusters of small bell-shaped flowers begin to bloom in early summer, followed by attractive snow white berries later in the season. The adult Bumblebee Moth will feed on their larval food plants, honeysuckle and snowberry, for nectar. Eliminate dead wood and the most fragile branches as you notice them. Post a comment. General: Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). Although they get their name from hosting on wild snowberry they also host on Dogbane (also known as Indian Hemp) and they can be a pest on fruit trees. Yup! If you want to see more of both butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) in your yard, the addition of specific host plants is an empowering way to take an active role in supporting species diversity. Climbing 10 to 15 feet, 3 to 6 feet wide. But I have a honeysuckle bush! Adult hummingbird moths hover and flit about, feeding on the nectar of various flowers including phlox and verbena but they are more selective when choosing a host plant for egg laying. Snowberry is a common name for a plant in the honeysuckle family, but I don’t think we have it in Nashville. categories: tags: Wildlife Plants and Habitat; Recent Episodes Square Foot Gardening. Hemaris is a genus of sphinx moths in the subfamily Macroglossinae, which is native to the Holarctic. Also excellent nectar plants. Snowberry Clearwing Caterpillar is found on honeysuckle. It was eye-catching for two reasons. Above: A Snowberry Clearwing moth… before his wings lost their scales to become clear! As a caterpillar, the clearwing is especially fond of the snowberry, snacking on its leaves and using it as a host when constructing its cocoon. And I can’t say no to these cuties!!! Snowberry clearwing hummingbird moth caterpillar (Hemaris thysbe) resting on its host plant, the trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). They grow to 25 feet tall, bloom in white in the winter and spring followed by purple plums. Blake, U.S. Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service: Plants Profile: Symphoricarpos Hesperius G.N. Even so, you can see how beautiful this little Venerable Dart moth was. Our Experience Our Experience. Birds, Pollinators, Host Plant: Description. S. albus is native to California and most of the United States. But as I would come to learn long after planting our coral honeysuckle more than a decade ago, the vine isn’t just a nectar and fruiting plant for pollinators and birds; it also feeds the caterpillars of the snowberry clearwing moth and the spring azure butterfly. Milkweeds (Asclepias) Host to monarchs and milkweed tussock moths. Those beautiful wings. Plant snowberries in full sun or partial shade. I found mine on my honeysuckle bush. Creeping snowberry, or trip vine (S. hesperius syn. Jones, University of Texas at Austin: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Ask Mr. Smarty Plants, University of California, Berkeley, Jepson Herbarium: Jepson eFlora: Taxon Page, Hardy & Resistant Perennial Vine Climbers. If your yard has viburnum, honeysuckle, or snowberry, you can check those plants for the unassumingly pretty larvae pictured here. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The Snowberry Clearwing is a large moth from the the Sphinx family. It blooms in dark pink or white in the spring and produces red berries that ripen by autumn. Sphinx caterpillar season has arrived in New England. Cherry and plum trees (Prunus spp.) Attractive Scarlet/orange with yellow inside tubular Flowers April to May, showy red fruits in late summer. - Liz Kautz TCL Education Director Hagens_Osage_Orange_Sphinx_8-17-19.jpg . Description . Unlike many moths, it is a day-time flyer and can be a frequent visitor to gardens filled with an attractive selection of native plants. Moved. But it was the sight of so many visitors to the flowers, often several on a single flower head, that was really breath-taking. Zone 4 to 9. Snowberry plants; a loose colony of Snowberry; leaf scans; Photos by K. Chayka taken at Interstate State Park, Chisago County, St. Croix State Park, Pine County, and in Cook County. Hemaris diffinis, the snowberry clearwing, is a moth of the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae.This moth is sometimes called "hummingbird moth" or "flying lobster". A. x floribundum Greene is a naturally occurring hybrid of spreading dogbane and Indian hemp. The most familiar ones are the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) and the Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe). While considered by many gardeners to be a noxious, even invasive weed, they attract butterflies and are also host plants for hummingbird moths. Snowberry Clearwing Moth ~ Hemaris diffinis If you want to attract this amazing day flying nectaring moth, having the right native food and nectar plants in your yard is the key. Widespread throughout the USA and temperate Canada east of the Continental Divide.”. Though this species looks, and flies like a bird, it is not. It is much more common now eastward where it has benefited greatly from exotic introduced honeysuckles, such as Lonicera japonica, which are now the main foodplants in much of the Northeast. She recently became a licensed insurance agent but has decided to pursue a writing career instead. SKU: HP4460 Category: Host Plants Tags: annual, caterpillar, deer resistant, full sun, host plant, Sleepy Orange. Host to spring azures and hummingbird clearwing moths. They are both widespread throughout North America, with the former perhaps being more abundant in the west and the latter in the east. They also will get nectar from milkweed, Monardella, and some thistles. As a caterpillar, the clearwing is especially fond of the snowberry, snacking on its leaves and using it as a host when constructing its cocoon. and hawthorn trees (Crataegus spp.) White Snowberry is a rounded and bushy shrub with small leaves on arching stems. Includes Southern arrow-wood (V. dentatum), possumhaw (V. nudum), and black-haw (V. prunifolium). Fragrant or desert snowberry (S. longiflorus) is native to the southwestern two-thirds of the United States. Lawn And Garden. I’m still trying to find out if Coralberry is host to Snowberry Clearwings. Hagen's or Osage Orange Sphinx Moth. Many are in the honeysuckle family, including snowberry (hence the name), but others include cherry, plum, dogbane and the viburnums. English hawthorn (C. laevigata) is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8 and grows to about 25 feet tall. These plants provide food for the newly hatched larvae until the larvae fall to the ground beneath the host plant to pupate, or transform into an adult moth. A refreshed edit of an earlier published image shows the Snowberry Clearwing On Multiflora Rose. I won’t usually take caterpillars I don’t find in my yard, because if I don’t have the host plant easily accessible, it’s hard to keep them fat and happy. Host Plant for Snowberry clearwing Hemaris diffinis Hummingbird clearwing Hemaris thysbe Native to Southeast United States Kansas East to Ohio, Georgia and south Carolina. Planting. This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Snowberry Clearwing in Indiana. Full sun to part shade and medium moisture . Even so, you can see how beautiful this little Venerable Dart moth was. Detailed coverage of invasive species threatening livelihoods and the environment worldwide The most familiar ones are the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) and the Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe). Please consult the Plants Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status, such as, state noxious status and wetland indicator values. Thanks to Scott Stoker for his great shot of a Snowberry clearwing moth on his lantana! U.S. Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service: Plants Profile: Apocynum L. Missouri Botanical Garden: Apocynum Cannabinum, University of Massachusetts Amherst: Agriculture & Landscape Program: Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program: Common Name: Spreading Dogbane, Southwest Biodiversity Consortium: Southwest Environmental Information Network: Apocynum x Floribundum Greene (Pro Sp. Their main host plants are herbs and shrubs of the teasel and honeysuckle families. Host plants include Deerberry (Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants). Reasons: “This was historically fairly common using snowberry and native honeysuckles. … It has oval-shaped leaves and blooms in pale pink. - Liz Kautz TCL Education Director The snowberry clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) so closely resembles a hummingbird in flight that it is also referred to as a hummingbird moth. Diffinis: Diffinio is a Latin word meaning “terminal.”, Bumblebee Moth, Flying Lobster, Hummingbird Moth. Those fuzzy antennae! Comments. Also, is the exotic invasive Amur honeysuckle on the menu? The “Clearwings” part … Hemaris thetis, the Rocky Mountain clearwing or California clearwing is a moth of the family Sphingidae.