Hemaris diffinis — Snowberry Clearwing

Hodges# 7855

Etymology

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).

GAIN LP Sightings

Date	County	Observer	Notes	Image1	Image2
2021-09-12	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna
2021-09-09	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna
2021-09-09	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna
2021-09-08	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna
2021-09-08	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna
2021-08-17	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna	Adult
2021-08-17	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna	Adult
2021-08-17	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna	Adult
2021-08-17	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna	Adult
2021-08-17	Washington	Hendrix, Suzanna	Adult

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2021-09-12 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes:
Date: 2021-09-09 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes:
Date: 2021-09-09 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes:
Date: 2021-09-08 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes:
Date: 2021-09-08 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes:
Date: 2021-08-17 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-08-17 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-08-17 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-08-17 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-08-17 County: Washington Observer: Hendrix, Suzanna Notes: Adult

Hemaris diffinis Sightings by Month

Conservation Status

• Global status: G5 (secure)

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