πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth

Cephonodes picus

About Coffee Bee Hawk Moth

A smaller clearwing hawk moth with transparent wings and a compact olive and yellow body. It is often found around coffee plantations in Africa where its larvae feed on Rubiaceae.

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Did You Know?

This species is sometimes considered a minor pest of coffee plantations in East Africa, where its caterpillars can defoliate young coffee plants.

How to Identify Coffee Bee Hawk Moth

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth (Cephonodes picus) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sphingidae. Adults typically measure 35-50 mm.

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth Habitat

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth is found in farmland habitats, particularly across East Africa, Madagascar. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth Diet and Feeding

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Coffee Bee Hawk Moth Found?

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth can be found in East Africa, Madagascar, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Coffee Bee Hawk Moth can be found

Is Coffee Bee Hawk Moth Dangerous?

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth Role in Nature

Coffee Bee Hawk Moth plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Bee Hawk Moth

What does Coffee Bee Hawk Moth look like?

The Coffee Bee Hawk Moth typically measures 35-50 mm.

Where is Coffee Bee Hawk Moth found?

The Coffee Bee Hawk Moth is found in East Africa, Madagascar and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does Coffee Bee Hawk Moth eat?

The Coffee Bee Hawk Moth feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Coffee Bee Hawk Moth dangerous to humans?

The Coffee Bee Hawk Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Coffee Bee Hawk Moth?

This species is sometimes considered a minor pest of coffee plantations in East Africa, where its caterpillars can defoliate young coffee plants.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Coffee Bee Hawk Moth (Cephonodes picus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/coffee-bee-hawk-moth

MLA:
"Coffee Bee Hawk Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/coffee-bee-hawk-moth.