Aquatic Crane Fly vs Elephant Hawk-moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aquatic Crane Fly Elephant Hawk-moth
Scientific Name Antocha saxicola Deilephila elpenor
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Limoniidae Sphingidae
Size 5-8 mm 55-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions North America Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Aquatic Crane Fly

A small crane fly whose larvae build silken cases on submerged rocks in fast-flowing streams. Larvae are true aquatic inhabitants rather than semi-terrestrial.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are among the few crane flies that are fully aquatic throughout development, never leaving the water.

Elephant Hawk-moth

A stunning pink and olive-green moth that hovers at flowers like a hummingbird at dusk. Its caterpillar has eyespots and a trunk-like shape, resembling a small elephant.

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Did You Know?

It has exceptional night vision and can see colour in near-total darkness.