Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth vs Meadow Brown
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth | Meadow Brown |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemaris tityus | Maniola jurtina |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 38-45 mm wingspan | Wingspan 40-55mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe |
| 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.
Meadow Brown
The most abundant butterfly in Britain, a brown species with a single eyespot on each forewing.
Did You Know?
So common it is often overlooked but plays a crucial role as a pollinator of wildflowers in grasslands.