SNOWBERRY CLEARWING

Here's Hemaris diffinis, the snowberry clearwing.

Sphinx caterpillar season has arrived in New England. Walking along roadsides near meadows and gardens, we are starting to spot tiny irregular holes in the leaves of honeysuckle bushes. Turning over these leaves uncovers tiny first instar clearwing caterpillars - light bluegreen with a narrow black horn.

The final instar is a delightful caterpillar with black "porthole" spots surrounding each spiracle. They often turn to look me in the eye when I disturb them for a quick photograph.

-Sam