69.009 BF1983

Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 40-47 mm.

This bee-like moth is a day-flying species, preferring open woodlands and clearings, and appears in May and June.

Its distribution covers much of southern England, where it is usually local.

The greenish caterpillars feed on honeysuckle (Lonicera) and bedstraw (Galium). The young larvae create small circular holes in honeysuckle leaves, resulting in a distinctive feeding pattern, and this is often a good way to find the species.