Snowberry or Hummingbird? How to Tell These Two Clearwing Moths Apart

At first glance, these two fascinating moths look almost identical. Both hover like tiny hummingbirds as they sip nectar from flowers, and both have clear wings that make many people mistake them for bees or even hummingbirds. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to tell them apart.

FUN FACT: clearwing moths are also known as “flying shrimp”

The Snowberry Clearwing is generally a bit smaller and has a stockier, fuzzy body with a yellowish or olive-colored abdomen, and black legs.

Snowberry Clearwing Moth

The Hummingbird Clearwing, on the other hand, is usually larger and more colorful. Its body often has a distinctive burgundy or reddish-brown coloration with olive-green markings, giving it a richer, more vibrant appearance. It also tends to have a slightly longer body.

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth

Both species have transparent wings bordered by dark scales and spend much of their time hovering in front of flowers, making them a delight to watch and photograph. If you have the chance to see them side by side, the body color is usually the quickest giveaway: think yellow and black for the Snowberry Clearwing and burgundy and olive for the Hummingbird Clearwing.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison: