Clearwing moths (family Sesiidae) are weird and wonderful, mimicking wasps in surprising detail. In many, the wings have large areas free of scales. Fireweed Clearwing Moths fly by day and are attracted to flowers. The fast-flying males hover over the blossoms to nectar, while the heavier, sluggish females rest on the foliage or flowers. Larvae bore in the main roots of evening primroses and fireweed, sometimes up to 2 ft below the soil surface. These moths are present in Canada, Alaska, the northeastern United States, northern Michigan and Wisconsin, and in the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Mountain ranges.
Size: Forewing length 8-14 mm
Photo by: Glenn Marangelo on 8/16/21 near Condon, MT