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.
Thysbe: The female heroine of 8th Century Roman poet, Ovid, in his narrative Metamorphoses.
Pronunciation
HEM-ar-iss THYS-bee
Documented Occurrences
This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Hummingbird 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: “Huge range, occurs in many habitat types, a familiar species in many eastern U.S. and Canadian gardens.”
National status: N5 (secure)
Indiana status: NR (not ranked)
Floral Associates
Hummingbird Clearwing caterpillars are fairly specialized feeders, only eating from five known genera of plants. Adult moths feed upon nectar of many native flowers with Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) being particularly favored.
Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family
Taxonomic Name
Common Name
Order: Dipsicales
Adoxaceae
Viburnum spp.
viburnums
Caprifoliaceae
Lonicera spp.
honeysuckles
Symphoricarpos spp.
snowberries
Order: Rosales
Rosaceae
Crataegus spp.
hawthorns
Prunus spp.
cherries
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