Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth vs Chimney Sweeper Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth Chimney Sweeper Moth
Scientific Name Hemaris fuciformis Odezia atrata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sphingidae Geometridae
Size 38-48 mm wingspan 25-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North Africa Europe
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.

Chimney Sweeper Moth

A small, entirely sooty-black day-flying moth with white-tipped wing fringes. It flies over grasslands where pignut grows.

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Did You Know?

Its all-black coloration is unique among European geometrid moths and makes it instantly recognizable.