Our insect of the week for April 21, 2025 is the snowberry clearwing moth, Hemaris diffinis [LEPIDOPTERA: Sphingidae]. It is so names because adults lose the majority of scales on their wings shortly after they emerge from the pupal stage due to their very active flight. Adults typically visit flowers during daylight hours, but may continue after dusk if the flowers are a great source of nectar. As you may suspect from examining the image, adults are mimics of bumblebees. Adults hover in front of flowers (much like a hummingbird). Adults are often observed in suburban yards. The specimen in this photograph was collected (and photographed) by our former member, Frank Hitchell.