Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth vs Cobra Clubtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Cobra Clubtail
Scientific Name Hemaris tityus Gomphus vastus
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Sphingidae Gomphidae
Size 38-45 mm wingspan 58-68 mm
Habitat Wetlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, temperate Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern (declining in western Europe) Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

The wing scales fall off during its first flight, leaving the characteristic clear patches.

Cobra Clubtail

A large North American clubtail with a dramatically flared abdomen tip and bold yellow markings. It patrols large rivers and is a powerful, fast flier.

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Did You Know?

Its abdomen tip flares out so dramatically that it resembles a cobra's hood, inspiring its common name.