Bee-fly Hawk Moth vs Common Graphium

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bee-fly Hawk Moth Common Graphium
Scientific Name Macroglossum bombylans Graphium leonidas
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Papilionidae
Size 30-40 mm 65-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, southern China West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Its species name 'bombylans' means 'buzzing like a bee,' referring to both its sound and appearance during flower visits.

Common Graphium

A striking swallowtail butterfly with black wings marked with pale blue-green translucent spots. It is a fast and powerful flier often seen in forest clearings. Males gather at mud puddles in large groups.

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Did You Know?

Groups of up to 50 males can be seen drinking together at riverside mud puddles, creating a spectacular display of color.