Hemaris gracilis

Common Name(s): Slender Clearwing Moth

Ecology:

Adult description:
This is a very small day-flying sphingid with forewing length of only 17-20mm (1). All the Hemaris species have clear areas on the wings rather than being typically colored and scaled like in other genera. This species is restricted to sandy areas with lots of Vaccinium. It is often under-reported due to its early flight time in the Northeastern US, and confusion with other Hemaris spp. The thorax of this moth is greener than other Hemaris, and the red on the abdomen is generally more vibrant. Tuttle notes that there are two distinct red bands that run down the ventral surface of the moth from eyes to abdomen which will help separate this moth out from Hemaris thysbe (1). You can also examine the forewing cell. In this species, the forewing cell is surrounded by red scales, has a significantly smaller clear area than in Hemaris diffinis and lacks a vein running through it like in Hemaris thysbe.

Larval description:
L5: The larva is green in color and generally has a reddish granulose collar behind the head. Superficially this larva looks like Hemaris thysbe. The reddish collar and distinctly red horn will help separate the two. The spiracles of Hemaris gracilis are orange and aren’t surrounded by any border. There are two white lines running the length of the larva separating out the slightly darker dorsal region.

Host plants:

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