Bronze Flea Beetle vs Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bronze Flea Beetle | Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Altica ambiens | Hemaris tityus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 38-45 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (declining in western Europe) |
Bronze Flea Beetle
A metallic bronze to greenish flea beetle with prominent hind leg development. It feeds on alder leaves in wetland habitats across North America.
Did You Know?
Heavy infestations can cause nearly complete defoliation of alder shrubs, which then produce a second flush of leaves later in the season.
Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth
A bumblebee mimic with largely transparent wings and a furry olive-and-brown body. It flies by day, hovering at flowers in a manner indistinguishable from a real bee.
Did You Know?
The wing scales fall off during its first flight, leaving the characteristic clear patches.