Bee-fly Hawk Moth vs Brown Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee-fly Hawk Moth | Brown Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macroglossum bombylans | Thecla betulae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm | 36-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, southern China | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (declining in parts of range) |
Bee-fly Hawk Moth
A small day-flying hawk moth that mimics a bumblebee with its furry body and buzzing flight. It visits flowers in gardens and forest edges across South and Southeast Asia.
Did You Know?
Its species name 'bombylans' means 'buzzing like a bee,' referring to both its sound and appearance during flower visits.
Brown Hairstreak
A secretive butterfly with rich brown wings and an orange flash on the female's forewings. Adults spend most of their time in tree canopies, rarely descending to ground level.
Did You Know?
Eggs are laid singly on blackthorn and are easier to find in winter than the elusive adults are in summer.