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Hemaris thetis (Boisduval, 1855)
Rocky Mountain Clearwing
Family: Sphingidae
Introduction to the Lepidoptera of British Columbia
Introduction to the Families of Lepidoptera of British Columbia

Photograph

© Libby & Rick Avis     (Photo ID #9828)

Map

E-Fauna BC Static Map

Distribution of Hemaris thetis in British Columbia in British Columbia

Introduction


Until 2009, this species was not recognized in BC. However, Schmidt (2009) showed that all specimens previously thought to be Hemaris diffinis, were actually H. thetis. Inhis paper, he says:

"Western North American populations previously treated as Hemaris diffinis (Boisduval) are shown to be a distinct species, Hemaris thetis Boisduval), based on differences in habitus, genitalic morphology, mtDNA sequence variation and larval phenotype. Both species occur in strict sympatry at several localities in western Alberta without evidence of intergradation. Hemaris senta is a colour variant of H. thetis, and synonomized under the latter."

Avis (2014, pers. comm.) says: "You would only expect to find H. thetis in BC other than possibly in the Peace River." Reference:

Schmidt, B. Christian (2009). Hemaris thetis (Boisduval, 1855) (Sphingidae) is a Distinct Species. Journal of the Lepidopterists Society 63(2), 2009, 100-109.

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeSNRNo StatusNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Synonyms and Alternate Names

Hemaris senta (Strecker, 1878)

General References

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