Winter Moth vs Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Winter Moth | Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Operophtera brumata | Hemaris fuciformis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 25-30 mm wingspan (males) | 38-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Eastern North America | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Winter Moth
A cold-hardy moth whose tiny green inchworm caterpillars defoliate fruit and shade trees in early spring. Females are virtually wingless and crawl up tree trunks to lay eggs.
Did You Know?
Sticky bands wrapped around tree trunks in autumn can trap the wingless females and prevent egg-laying.
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.
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.