The
broad-bordered bee hawk-moth does, indeed, look like a bee! A scarce
moth, mainly of Central and Southern England, it feeds on the wing and
can be seen during spring and summer.
About
The
broad-bordered bee hawk-moth is a large, day-flying moth of open
woodlands and clearings. It is a relatively scarce species, with a
restricted distribution, but has strongholds in East Anglia and
Lincolnshire. The adult is on the wing from May to July, and feeds while
flying on flowers like wild honeysuckle and snowberry. So-named for its
resemblance to a bumblebee, it is far more agile and much larger. The
caterpillars appear from June to August and overwinter as pupae below
the ground.How to identify
The
broad-bordered bee hawk-moth does like a bit like a bumblebee. It has
reddish-brown bands across its golden abdomen that can change to black
as the hairs wear off. It also has reddish bands on its translucent
forewings and long, clubbed antennae.Distribution
Mainly found in Southern and Central England, scattered distribution elsewhere. Did you know?
The broad-bordered bee
hawk-moth looks similar to the narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth, but, as
its name suggests, has a broader dark band on the edge of its forewings.
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