Bee Moth vs Privet Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Moth | Privet Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphomia sociella | Sphinx ligustri |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 30-42 mm wingspan | 90-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bee Moth
A robust pinkish-brown moth whose larvae are nest parasites of bumblebees and wasps. Females enter bee nests at night to lay their eggs.
Did You Know?
A single larval web can contain hundreds of caterpillars that completely destroy a bumblebee nest.
Privet Hawk-moth
Britain's largest resident moth, with a massive body bearing pink and black abdominal stripes. Its horn-tipped caterpillar is bright green with purple and white diagonal stripes.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar performs a sphinx-like pose when disturbed, which gave the Sphingidae family its name.