The genus Hemaris has 5 species in the USA, and about 18 around the world.
Type specimen: Sphinx (Hemaris) fuciformis - Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms: N/A
General Information: These are generally small to medium sized moths. The forewings generally have a clear patch of scales, though not all species in the genus do. They are entirely diurnal and often seen nectaring at flowers. Some are bee mimics.
If you have narrowed something down to this genus, you can use this key to help you narrow down your search to species:
1: The front legs are black (2)
1’: Front legs are not as above (3)
2: The tufts of scales coming off of the last segment of the abdomen are yellow in the middle. The forewing cell is quite large and distinctive with no vein bisecting it. Does not occur west of the continental divide… Hemaris diffinis
2’: The tufts of scales coming off of the last segment of the abdomen are black in the middle, there may be yellow tufts present, but they will not be overhanging the outermost black tufts, spots on the apex of the wings are bright reddish brown… Hemaris aethra
3: The front legs are reddish in color. The forewing cell is very small, surrounded by red scales, with no bisecting vein. There are two red bands that run the length of the moth on the dorsal surface… Hemaris gracilis
3': The front legs are white in color. The forewing cell is large, distinctive, and bisected by a vein… Hemaris thysbe
Species List:
Hemaris thysbe
Hemaris gracilis
Hemaris diffinis
Hemaris aethra
Hemaris thetis
The gallery below shows photos of select species in the genus.
Type specimen: Sphinx (Hemaris) fuciformis - Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms: N/A
General Information: These are generally small to medium sized moths. The forewings generally have a clear patch of scales, though not all species in the genus do. They are entirely diurnal and often seen nectaring at flowers. Some are bee mimics.
If you have narrowed something down to this genus, you can use this key to help you narrow down your search to species:
1: The front legs are black (2)
1’: Front legs are not as above (3)
2: The tufts of scales coming off of the last segment of the abdomen are yellow in the middle. The forewing cell is quite large and distinctive with no vein bisecting it. Does not occur west of the continental divide… Hemaris diffinis
2’: The tufts of scales coming off of the last segment of the abdomen are black in the middle, there may be yellow tufts present, but they will not be overhanging the outermost black tufts, spots on the apex of the wings are bright reddish brown… Hemaris aethra
3: The front legs are reddish in color. The forewing cell is very small, surrounded by red scales, with no bisecting vein. There are two red bands that run the length of the moth on the dorsal surface… Hemaris gracilis
3': The front legs are white in color. The forewing cell is large, distinctive, and bisected by a vein… Hemaris thysbe
Species List:
Hemaris thysbe
Hemaris gracilis
Hemaris diffinis
Hemaris aethra
Hemaris thetis
The gallery below shows photos of select species in the genus.