For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moths
Identify It > Moth Section > Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moths >
Scientific name: Hemaris fuciformis
Size: Wingspan approximately 50 - 55mm
Distribution: Found mainly found in southern and central England
Months seen: May to July
Habitat: Woodland rides, hedgerows and gardens
Food: Nectar. The caterpillars feed on honeysuckle
Special features: The Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-Moth is a diurnal (day and night flying) moth. As the name suggests it has the appearance of a bumble bee, right down to the clear wings and furry body.
When it first emerges from its pupa, the wings of the Broad-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth are actually covered in scales. After the first flight many of them drop off leaving the clear patches.
The name 'broad-bordered' refers to the dark coloured band or 'belt' around the abdomen. There is a similar looking species which has a narrow band, called the 'Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-Moth.
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