Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth vs Eye Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth | Eye Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemaris fuciformis | Liohippelates pusio |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Chloropidae |
| Size | 38-48 mm wingspan | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North Africa | Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean |
| 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.
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.
Eye Gnat
A tiny, shiny black fly attracted to eye and wound secretions of humans and animals. It is a suspected mechanical vector of bacterial conjunctivitis and yaws in tropical regions. Its persistent swarming around the face makes it an extremely annoying pest in agricultural areas.
Did You Know?
These flies are so strongly attracted to eye secretions that they will persistently return to a person's face even after being brushed away dozens of times.