Snowberry Clearwing

Here's what has invaded my garden! I counted 20 of these beautiful moths on one butterfly bush...

The Snowberry Clearing (Hemaris diffinis) is a common moth throughout Missouri found in forests, brushy fields and frequently turns up in city yards and gardens. It's similar to the Hummingbird Clearwing, but has an identifying black band that crosses the eye and travels down the lateral side of the thorax.

Host plants of the larva include buckbrush or coralberry; which is a native shrub found throughout my property.