That’s not its name of course — it’s the Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Hemaris thysbe. We usually see this moth hovering over flowers (see previous post on this species) as it seeks out the nectar inside, but I had a rare opportunity to view the moth at rest the other day. The view through the clear wings looked a lot like stained glass.
You can actually see the dark lower edge of the hindwing through the larger forewing which has a reddish-brown border.
These moths have been much more common in the backyard garden this summer, as have the butterflies and bees, but it’s unusual to see them sitting still instead of busily flitting about.
Back Yard Biology 
Beautiful moth, we get its cousin H. fuciformis over here. Amelia
I have also seen and photographed the European clearwing moth — they look very much alike, these two species.
You got some great shots of it. I wonder what it gains by having clear wings.
A good question. I wonder if the scales on butterfly and moth wings add resistance, and that perhaps it’s more energetically economical to have scale-less (i.e., clear) wings.
They are beautiful! I’ve never seen on at rest before.
Me either — this was a first. Maybe the moth was just full of nectar and needed to digest?
Gorgeous! I would dearly love to photograph one of these. The wings are stunning.
Thanks, Rachael.
I’ve tried to photograph these amazing moths while feeding on plants and have never been able to get clear shots like yours of the wings. Great job, Sue, in taking advantage of the opportunity to get such beautiful shots when you caught one at rest. I had assumed that they rested occasionally, but had only seen them in a state of almost constant motion.
I thought hummingbirds beat their wings fast, but I can’t stop the action of the moth wing with my current camera–don’t have a fast enough shutter speed even at 1/4000.
I’m seeing more Clearwings than Hummingbirds in my yard this summer. Amazing we both found one that decided to rest – they never sit still!
Isn’t it interesting how you read what someone has posted and realize that hey, that was in my yard the other day, too.