Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth
Common NameNarrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth
Scientific NameHemaris tityus
FamilySphingidae
SubfamilyMacroglossinae
Wingspan (mm)43
Wing Patterntransparent
Primary Colorsyellow, black, brown
HabitatOpen grasslands, meadows, woodland edges, heathland, fens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, and parts of Asia (Palearctic region)
Host PlantsKnautia arvensis, Succisa pratensis, Lonicera
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylehovering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, developing into green larvae with a pale stripe and a rear horn. Pupation occurs in a cocoon at ground level, with adults emerging in late spring to early summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its clear, unscaled wings (not losing scales after flight like some relatives), fuzzy bee-like abdomen, and dark antennae with pale tips. The narrow dark border on the wings is a key feature.
Description
This moth mimics a bumblebee with its fuzzy, yellow and black striped body. Its wings are largely transparent with narrow, dark brown borders.
