Hi Barbara,

Wow! This insect appears to be the Nebraska Clearwing Moth (Euhagena nebraskae). This is a rare species to find. The larvae feed on the roots of plants in the Onagraceae family (evening primroses). 

This is a type of clearwing moth. Clearwing moths get their name because usually a portion of their wings don't have scales, so they appear transparent. Many clearwing moths mimic wasp species. Insects mimic wasps because wasps are stinging insects, and if they appear like a wasp, predators may avoid them. 

If you are interested, there are a few places you can submit this photo observation (since this is a rare find): 

• https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/get-involved
• https://www.inaturalist.org/
• https://bugguide.net/node/view/15740

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Lisa

Lisa Mason
Horticulture Agent
Colorado State University Extension 
Arapahoe County