Ant Beetle vs Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth)

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ant Beetle Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth)
Scientific Name Thanasimus formicarius Psilogramma menephron
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cleridae Sphingidae
Size 7-10mm 100-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ant Beetle

A brightly colored red and black bark beetle predator that mimics ants. It hunts bark beetles on pine trees.

💡

Did You Know?

An important natural enemy of bark beetles used in integrated pest management of conifer forests.

Hawk Moth (Australian Privet Hawk Moth)

One of Australia's largest hawk moths, with a robust grey body and intricately patterned wings that provide superb camouflage on tree bark. The large green caterpillars have a distinctive tail horn.

💡

Did You Know?

Hawk moth caterpillars rear up and vibrate their bodies when threatened, making them appear larger and more intimidating.