description Slender Clearwing Overview
The Slender Clearwing is a North American moth in the hawk moth family, Sphingidae, scientifically known as Hemaris gracilis. Like other clearwing moths, it loses many wing scales after emerging, leaving broad transparent areas, and it flies during daylight while hovering at flowers to drink nectar. Its relatively slender body and reddish abdominal markings help distinguish it from related Hemaris species, although close identification may require careful examination.
help Slender Clearwing FAQ
Why does the Slender Clearwing moth have transparent wings?
Like other clearwing sphinx moths, Hemaris gracilis loses many of its wing scales soon after emerging, leaving broad clear 'windows' in the wings. Combined with its day-flying, hovering flight at flowers, this makes it look far more like a large bumblebee than a typical moth.
How do you tell the Slender Clearwing from other Hemaris clearwings?
North America has several similar species, especially the widespread hummingbird clearwing (Hemaris thysbe) and snowberry clearwing (Hemaris diffinis). Hemaris gracilis is slimmer, with a cleaner-winged look, and is generally far less commonly encountered than those two.
Where does the Slender Clearwing live?
It is a North American species found in the eastern part of the continent, typically in sandy pine-barren habitats such as the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Because it is local and uncommon, sightings are considered notable by moth enthusiasts.
When does the Slender Clearwing fly?
Unlike most sphinx moths it flies during daylight hours, hovering like a tiny hummingbird at flowers. Adults are typically on the wing from late spring through summer across its eastern North American range.
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