Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth vs Common Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth | Common Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemaris tityus | Forficula auricularia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Forficulidae |
| Size | 38-45 mm wingspan | 12-17 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe, worldwide (introduced) |
| 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.
Did You Know?
The wing scales fall off during its first flight, leaving the characteristic clear patches.
Common Earwig
Nocturnal omnivore with distinctive forceps-shaped cerci. One of the few non-social insects to show maternal care — females guard and clean their eggs, and feed hatchlings.
Did You Know?
Female earwigs are devoted mothers — they guard their eggs for months, licking them regularly to prevent fungal infection, and continue caring for nymphs after hatching.