Swiss Brassy Ringlet vs Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swiss Brassy Ringlet Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth
Scientific Name Erebia tyndarus Hemaris tityus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Sphingidae
Size 30-36 mm wingspan 38-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Meadows Wetlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Swiss Alps Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern (declining in western Europe)

Swiss Brassy Ringlet

A dark butterfly with a greenish metallic sheen on its upperside. It is endemic to alpine meadows in the Swiss Alps.

💡

Did You Know?

Its metallic green sheen is unique among European butterflies and aids in thermoregulation.

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.