Bella Moth vs Privet Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bella Moth | Privet Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Utetheisa ornatrix | Sphinx ligustri |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Arctiidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 33-46 mm wingspan | 90-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States, Central and South America | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bella Moth
A brightly colored moth with pink-orange forewings covered in white and black spots. It sequesters toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids from its host plants for chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Males transfer protective alkaloids to females during mating, which she then deposits onto her eggs to protect them.
Privet Hawk-moth
Britain's largest resident moth, with a massive body bearing pink and black abdominal stripes. Its horn-tipped caterpillar is bright green with purple and white diagonal stripes.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar performs a sphinx-like pose when disturbed, which gave the Sphingidae family its name.