Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth vs Pale Evening Dun

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Pale Evening Dun
Scientific Name Hemaris tityus Heptagenia adaequata
Order Lepidoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Sphingidae Heptageniidae
Size 38-45 mm wingspan 8-12 mm
Habitat Wetlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Pale Evening Dun

A flat-bodied mayfly whose nymphs press tightly against rocks in swift currents. Adults emerge at dusk during summer months.

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Did You Know?

Its extremely flattened body allows it to resist currents that would sweep away most other insects.