Common Name(s): Diervilla Clearwing

Ecology and Life History:
One or possibly two flights across its range. Like other Hemaris species, this moth is diurnal, and can be seen nectaring at flowers during the day. It is not uncommon, just under-reported. This moth is easily confused with Hemaris diffinis, however close examination of the adults or larvae will reveal differences. Eggs are laid singly on hostplant leaves, usually on the undersides toward the tips. The larvae feed on the leaves, resting along the midvein.

Habitat and Searching for Larvae:
The larvae of this moth specialize on Diervilla lonicera, Shrub Honeysuckle. The younger larvae feed toward the tips of the leaves, usually (but not always) on new growth. Larger larvae are almost always toward the tops of plants. So far, this moth has been reported in most of the Northern US, from Minnesota to Maine, but not further south than MA/NY. Its range is still being understood. This moth is active from May through September throughout the southern part of its range, and likely from June to August in the northern portion, it is possible there are multiple generations throughout the range. The larvae fluoresce under UV flashlight.

Rearing Notes: {COMING SOON}

Host plants:

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(C) Teá Montagna

(C) Teá Montagna

Adult description: This is a medium sized diurnal moth with a wingspan of 48mm (8). This moth is exceedingly similar in appearance to Hemaris diffinis, however it is easily distinguished by the brighter red-brown spots on the apex of the forewing and the overall straw-yellow coloring on the thorax (8). It is a rather distinctive moth when examined closely.

Larval description:
L5:  Larva is light green in color. There is a sub-dorsal stripe that run the length of the larvae. The spiracles are bright red, which is one of the distinguishing characteristics from Hemaris diffinis. The horn is reddish-orange toward the base with a black tip. It is granulose. The thoracic legs are bright red. As with other Hemaris species, there is a granulose collar behind the head, in this species it is yellow.

The gallery to the left contains photos of Hemaris aethra adults. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.

The gallery to the right contains photos of Hemaris aethra larval and pupal stages. If you have a photo that you would like to submit to us, please contact us.