Narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth

The narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth (Hemaris tityus) is a species of moth belonging to the family Sphingidae. Due to its unique appearance, which mimics a bumblebee, it is often confused with beneficial insects. While it is not a primary agricultural pest, it can occasionally cause localized damage to specific ornamental and wild plant species.

The host plants for this species primarily include members of the Caprifoliaceae family, such as honeysuckle (Lonicera), as well as scabious (Scabiosa) and bedstraw (Galium). The larvae, or caterpillars, feed on the foliage of these plants. In most natural environments, their population is kept in check by natural predators and parasitoids.

The life cycle of Hemaris tityus typically involves one or two generations per year, with the species overwintering as a pupa underground. Adult moths emerge in the spring and are active during the day. After mating, eggs are laid individually on the host plant leaves, where the larvae hatch and begin feeding immediately.

The damage caused by the larvae is characterized by defoliation. While individual caterpillars do not consume large amounts of biomass, a concentrated population can lead to significant aesthetic damage to ornamental shrubs. Monitoring for feeding symptoms, such as ragged leaf edges and droppings, is the primary method for early detection.

Effective management strategies for this pest include the following approaches:

• Regular inspection of host plants during the larval development stage.
• Manual removal of caterpillars in small gardens or nursery settings.
• Application of biological insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis to target larvae without harming pollinators.
• Maintenance of plant health to ensure quick recovery after minor feeding incidents.