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Slender clearwing moth

Slender clearwing moth

Hemaris gracilis

A species of Hemaris, Also known as Graceful clearwing

Hemaris gracilis, the slender clearwing or graceful clearwing, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote and Coleman Townsend Robinson in 1865. It is found in North America from Nova Scotia to central Florida along the East Coast and west through New England to Michigan to Saskatchewan. The species is listed as threatened in Connecticut. The wingspan is 40–45 mm. It can be distinguished from similar species by a pair of red-brown bands on the sides of the thorax, which vary from green to yellow green dorsally and sometimes brown with white underneath. They have a red abdomen. The wings are transparent with reddish-brown borders. The outer edge of the forewing transparent area is even and the forewing cell has a median row of scales. There are probably two generations per year with adults on wing from March to August. They feed on the nectar of various flowers, including Pontederia cordata, Rubus species, Taraxacum officinale, Hieracium aurantiacum, and Phlox species. The larvae have been recorded feeding on Vaccinium vacillans and Kalmia species. Pupation takes place in a thin walled cocoon under leaf litter.

General Info About Slender clearwing moth
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Attributes of Slender clearwing moth
Colors
Brown
Green
Yellow
White
Habitat
acidic soil; pine woodland; pitch; pine barren; open heathland; acidic oak; oak-pine forest
Adult Food Sources
Lonicera spp. (honeysuckle), asclepias syriaca (common milkweed), buddleja spp. (butterfly bush), phlox spp., monarda spp. (beebalm)
Larva Food Source
Galium spp. (bedstraw), lonicera spp. (honeysuckle), viburnum spp., symphoricarpos spp. (snowberry), heuchera spp. (coral bells)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Slender clearwing moth
Widespread
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Distribution Area of Slender clearwing moth
North America
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Life Cycle of Slender clearwing moth
Egg The embryo within the egg of slender clearwing moth develops with distinguishable features forming lightly. The egg is typically small, oval, and initially translucent, becoming more opaque as development progresses.
Larva Emerging as a larva, slender clearwing moth exhibits a worm-like form with a voracious appetite for host plants. It molts several times, growing rapidly in size, its color evolving to match the foliage it consumes.
Pupal Slender clearwing moth enters the pupal stage, encased in a chrysalis that may blend with the surroundings. Inside this protective case, it undergoes a radical transformation, reorganizing into an entirely new body structure.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult slender clearwing moth’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Interesting Facts About Slender clearwing moth
Members of slender clearwing moth can hover in place like a helicopter, a behavior quite rare in the world of insects.
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Scientific Classification of Slender clearwing moth
Tips for Finding Slender clearwing moth
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Youth Habitat of Slender clearwing moth
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Slender clearwing moth
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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When is the Best Time to Observe Slender clearwing moth
The most suitable time to find slender clearwing moth usually corresponds with their feeding or flight times, which is typically dusk or during the night when moths are active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Slender clearwing moth
Mild to warm weather without extreme temperatures or heavy rains is suitable for finding slender clearwing moth, as these conditions are conducive to its activity and visibility.
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How and Where Can You Find Slender clearwing moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Slender clearwing moth eggs are tiny and often deposited on the underside of host plant leaves. To locate them, closely inspect the foliage of known host plants.
Larva Slender clearwing moth caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Search for signs of feeding, larval frass, or chewed leaves to find these caterpillars during their growth phase.
Pupal Slender clearwing moth pupae might be found in leaf litter or soil near the host plants. Look for them by gently sifting through the leaf debris or excavating a small depth of soil.
Adult Adult slender clearwing moth are attracted to light at night. To find them, set up a light source and a white sheet to capture their interest or observe nectar-rich flowers after dusk where they might feed.
Are Slender clearwing moth harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Slender clearwing moth
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Slender clearwing moth is a pollinator as it visits flowers primarily for feeding on nectar. While it does not specifically favor certain plants, it's attracted to those with prominent color and shape. During the nectar feeding process, pollen sticks to its body and is transferred as it moves between flowers.
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