The World of Minibeasts

Living at High Speed - The Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth

Bee hawk-moths form a group of their own amongst the hawk-moths, represented by two species in central and northern Europe, which are the one just mentioned and the humming-bird hawk-moth. 

Both are active during the day, which is why they are the ones commonly perceived. Often humans are enthused when they come across a bee hawk-moth. The species shown is not rare. You may encounter a specimen at the flower pots of your balcony or terrace. José took this picture on his terrace. 

When the insect hatches, its wings are completely covered by light brown scales. During its first flight the central areas  wear off, leaving a broad margin of scales from which the species' name derives. In addition to its furry body, its partially transparent wings make it even more resemble a bumble-bee. The caterpillars live on honeysuckle and snowberry. 

The story on the Hawk-moths is finished now. You may want to select a chapter once again from the bottom switch board or go to the top switch board to select a different story.

Photograph by José Verkest, Text by Maria Pfeifer