Hemaris: Hemara, a Greek word meaning “day,” is one possible explanation for this genus name since these moths are primary diurnal fliers. 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. 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.
Diffinis: Diffinio is a Latin word meaning “terminal.”
Pronunciation
HEM-ar-iss dif-FIN-iss
Other Common Names
Bumblebee Moth, Flying Lobster, Hummingbird Moth
Documented Occurrences
This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Snowberry Clearwing in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).
Reasons: “This was historically fairly common using snowberry and native honeysuckles. 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. Widespread throughout the USA and temperate Canada east of the Continental Divide.”
National status: N4/N5 (Apparently secure/secure)
Indiana status: NR (not ranked)
Floral Associates
The Snowberry Clearing takes its name from Snowberry (Symphoricarposem spp.), which is one of its preferred larval host plants. Additional known host species, which are found in Indiana, are listed in the following table. Adult moths feed upon nectar with Milkweeds (Aclepias spp.), and Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) being particularly favored.
Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family
Taxonomic Name
Common Name
Order: Dipsacales
Caprifoliaceae
Triosteum spp.
horse gentians
Order: Dipsicales
Adoxaceae
Viburnum spp.
viburnums
Caprifoliaceae
Diervilla spp.
honeysuckles
Lonicera spp.
honeysuckles
Symphoricarpos spp.
snowberries
Order: Ericales
Ericaceae
Vaccinium spp.
blueberries
Order: Gentianales
Apocynaceae
Amsonia tabernaemontana
eastern bluestar
Apocynum spp.
dogbanes, aka indian Hemps
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