Hemaris thysbe

The hummingbird clearwing is a very unique moth that can be found in Murphys Point! Unlike most moths, the hummingbird clearwing is a diurnal flying moth, meaning that it flies during the day instead of the night like most moths! They look like a hummingbird and have transparent wings which is the more obvious derivation of their name. The Latin name Thysbe also has an interesting background, it comes from the story of Pyramus and Thisbe which is the precursor to Romeo and Juliet. The reason it has this name is because of the rusty red colour of the moth that looks like blood. This represents the bloodshed that happens in Romeo and Juliet. All in all, this is one of the park’s most fascinating and beautiful insects, and if you want to see them in the park, the field at the Lally Homestead can be a very good place to look on a sunny day!