Dawson's Burrowing Bee vs Willowherb Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dawson's Burrowing Bee Willowherb Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Amegilla dawsoni Proserpinus proserpina
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Apidae Sphingidae
Size 18-24 mm 36-46 mm
Habitat Heathland Rivers & Streams
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Western Australia Central and southern Europe, North Africa, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dawson's Burrowing Bee

A large solitary bee endemic to Western Australia that nests in massive aggregations in hardpan clay. Males engage in violent aerial combat to mate with emerging females.

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Did You Know?

Male combat is so fierce that individuals frequently die from injuries sustained during mating battles.

Willowherb Hawk Moth

A compact hawk moth with olive-green forewings and bright orange hindwings with a dark border. It flies at dusk and is found in damp habitats across southern and central Europe.

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Did You Know?

This species is listed in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, making it legally protected across the European Union.