Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth vs Willow Beauty
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth | Willow Beauty |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemaris tityus | Peribatodes rhomboidaria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Sphingidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 38-45 mm wingspan | 38-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe, western Asia |
| 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.
Willow Beauty
A well-camouflaged moth with grey-brown wings marked with dark cross-lines that blends perfectly with tree bark. It is one of the most common moths found in gardens.
Did You Know?
Like the peppered moth, it has developed a darker form in areas affected by industrial pollution.