Simplon Beetle vs Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Simplon Beetle Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth
Scientific Name Nebria cordicollis Hemaris tityus
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Carabidae Sphingidae
Size 9-12 mm 38-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Wetlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Western Alps, Switzerland, Italy Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern (declining in western Europe)

Simplon Beetle

A heart-shaped-thorax ground beetle native to high passes in the western Alps. It inhabits cold, exposed rocky habitats.

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Did You Know?

Named for the distinctive heart shape of its pronotum.

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.