Smoky Wainscot vs Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Smoky Wainscot	Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth
Scientific Name	Mythimna impura	Hemaris fuciformis
Order	Lepidoptera	Lepidoptera
Family	Noctuidae	Sphingidae
Size	28-34 mm wingspan	38-48 mm wingspan
Habitat	Grasslands	Underground
Diet	Herbivores	Nectar Feeders
Regions	Europe	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Smoky Wainscot

A dull brownish wainscot moth extremely common in grasslands. Larvae feed on various grass species. Often confused with the similar Common Wainscot.

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Did You Know?

So similar to the Common Wainscot that reliable identification often requires examination of genitalia.

Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth

A day-flying sphinx moth with transparent wings that mimic a bumblebee. The scales on its wings fall off on its first flight, leaving clear panels that enhance the bee illusion.

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Did You Know?

This moth deliberately sheds its wing scales on its maiden flight to become transparent — one of the only moths that intentionally destroys its own wing coloring.