Silver Y vs Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Silver Y | Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Autographa gamma | Hemaris tityus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm wingspan | 38-45 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Wetlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (declining in western Europe) |
Silver Y
A migratory moth marked with a bright silvery Y or gamma symbol on each forewing. Billions migrate northward across Europe each spring in one of nature's great insect movements.
Did You Know?
Radar studies revealed that up to 250 million Silver Y moths cross into Britain in a single summer.
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.