Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth vs Alpine Grizzled Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth Alpine Grizzled Skipper
Scientific Name Hemaris fuciformis Pyrgus andromedae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Hesperiidae
Size 38-48 mm wingspan 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Mountains
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North Africa Alps, Scandinavia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth

A day-flying sphinx moth with transparent wings that mimic a bumblebee. The scales on its wings fall off on its first flight, leaving clear panels that enhance the bee illusion.

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Did You Know?

This moth deliberately sheds its wing scales on its maiden flight to become transparent — one of the only moths that intentionally destroys its own wing coloring.

Alpine Grizzled Skipper

A small, dark skipper butterfly with white checkered markings. It flies low over alpine turf in quick, darting flights.

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Did You Know?

Its rapid, erratic flight makes it one of the most difficult alpine butterflies to observe.