Atlas Moth vs Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Atlas Moth | Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Attacus atlas | Hemaris tityus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 250-300 mm wingspan | 38-45 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Wetlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Asia | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (declining in western Europe) |
Atlas Moth
One of the largest moths in the world by wing area. Adults have no mouths and do not eat, living only 1-2 weeks on stored fat. Wing tips mimic snake heads.
Did You Know?
The atlas moth has no mouth — as an adult, it cannot eat. It survives entirely on fat stored during its caterpillar stage, living just long enough to mate.
Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth
A bumblebee mimic with largely transparent wings and a furry olive-and-brown body. It flies by day, hovering at flowers in a manner indistinguishable from a real bee.
Did You Know?
The wing scales fall off during its first flight, leaving the characteristic clear patches.