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.

A Welcoming Luna Moth

Actias luna or the Luna Moth is found throughout much of the world. Caterpillar host plants include a variety of trees--birch, persimmon, sweet gum, hickories, walnuts and sumacs.

I found it resting in this spot earlier in the season.  Perhaps it was welcoming fall...

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